Tems, Baby Queen make BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2022 longlist

Now in its 20th edition, the annual longlist represents the top 10 budding artists who are expected to have a successful year ahead, the radio station says. The artists were selected by a panel of more than 130 industry experts and artists, including Elton John, Billie Eilish, Ed Sheeran, Jade Thirlwall and Jorja Smith.

Other artists on the list include PinkPantheress, Wet Leg, Central Cee, Lola Young, Mimi Webb, Priya Ragu, Yard Act and ENNY, who comes from Nigerian heritage.

“This year’s Sound of list will go down as one of the greats; a rich and diverse representation of genres, a great year for British and female artists, and I’m delighted to report that all 10 acts have had significant support from Radio 1, many of them as alumni of our own Brit List,” Radio 1 head of music Chris Price said.

Last year, 24-year-old British-Gambian rapper Pa Salieu claimed the No 1 spot on the list, which featured musicians such as Griff, Holly Humberstone and Alfie Templeman. Other artists who have appeared on the list include Stormzy, Adele, Sam Smith, Lady Gaga, Foals, Dizzee Rascal and Lewis Capaldi. 

A top-five countdown will begin on Radio 1 on 2 January 2022 and the winner will be revealed on 6 January 2022 on Radio 1 and BBC News. 

The list was compiled using recommendations from influential music experts including artists, DJs, radio and TV producers, journalists, streaming experts and festival bookers. All the participants named their favourite three new acts from any country or genre, signed or independent.

Tems has gained prominence for her unique blend of R&B and soul with African nuances, attracting attention from international popstars including Chris Brown and Drake, who features Tems on his latest album Certified Lover Boy. She also appears on Wizkid’s chart-topping single ‘Essence’, which has been winning awards throughout the year. Tems is behind the For Broken Ears EP and singles such as ‘Mr Rebel’ and ‘Try Me’. A YouTube Music Foundry alumna, she has also been singled out by Spotify as an emerging African artist to watch.

Baby Queen, meanwhile, moved to London at the age of 18 to pursue a career in music. The singer-songwriter wrote music while working at a Rough Trade music shop in Brick Lane, London. Last year, she signed to Polydor Records over Zoom and released her first EP Medicine in November.