From the ’80s to the early 2000s, R&B girl groups were a major part of Black girl culture. It was difficult not to be enthralled by their angelic harmonies and matching fits. You would pick your favorite act and ride for them loudly. Girl groups not only exemplified the power of sisterhood, but also activated a sense of empowerment and pride in womanhood.
Every one who witnessed these girl groups saw a piece of themselves in every member. It gave them permission to take up space on their own stages. From Destiny’s Child to TLC, the girl group reign began to die out in the 2010s; however, there may be an act that’s ready to change that.
Flo, the UK-based trio making R&B ballads about love and female empowerment, has become the latest industry obsession. They bring back the nostalgia of girl groups while modernizing the art. Here’s everything to know about FLO and why they should be on everyone’s radar.
Who Is Flo?
Consisting of songstresses Jorja Douglas, Stella Quaresma, and Renée Downer, Flo’s heavenly harmonies and affinity for female reclamation landed them a deal with Island Records in 2019. Downer and Quaresma knew each other since primary school, and the pair met Douglas on the internet. Their manager set them up before actually knowing they were friends.
Their 2022 debut single and breakout hit “Cardboard Box” received an immense amount of praise. They arrived on the scene with a polished poise that has only matured over time. They soon released their debut EP “The Lead.” It was a love letter to friendship, whistle tones and self-empowerment.
There’s no hierarchy in Flo. The girls get equal stage time and shine in their unique lights. Individually, they’re vocally strong, holding their own while lifting up the next.
They’ve only continued to climb further up the ladder, landing a Missy Elliot feature on their hit single “Fly Girl.” The song has garnered over 44 million streams on Spotify. Singles “Walk Like This” and “Caught Up” have earned the attention of musical peers and fans alike. It landed them slots on Jimmy Kimmel and Coachella Music Festival.
They’ve also been featured on Kehlani’s single “8,” while opening for her on her Crash World Tour. They even sold out all the tickets on their own “Flo Live” North American and European tour as well.
Flo Is Next Up
Flo has quickly yet steadily received their flowers, and rightfully so. Citing influences from Ciara to Aaliyah, and noting Brandy as a dream collaboration, their music feels familiar yet brand new. They celebrate girlhood and are forging the future for Black girl groups, while remaining true to themselves and having fun. Their music videos are tightly choreographed and engaging. Every outfit they’ve worn as a unit is a nod to the girl groups before them that revitalized fashion. This girl group is picking up where Destiny’s Child left off, and it’d be wise to get the Flo train early.