Words by Chanelle Goddard
This week, we highlight the music of Ego Ella May, the London-born artist shaking up the modern Jazz scene.
The number of talented Black females in the UK’s music scene right now is higher than ever, and 28-year-old singer-songwriter Ego Ella May is one standout star that definitely deserves to be watched closely.
Raised in Hailing, South London, Ego Ella May has become something of a gem in the UK industry. From a young age, May has always possessed a strong passion for self-expression through music and song writing, and her smooth and sultry, Erykah Badu-esque voice has been praised by listeners all over as “truly mesmerising” and “a gift to the world of music.” If you enjoy the smooth sound of classic Jazz but with a modern, neo-soul twist, Ego Ella May is an artist you need to add to your playlist.
One of the things that makes May’s music so unique is that it has no boundaries, from the backing tracks she uses to the lyrics she writes so effortlessly. She’s released beautifully-written songs about self-worth, love, loss and other real-life problems that people face every day, and it’s clear that May possesses an almost incomparable talent for composition. The singer-songwriter’s hard work and obvious talent hasn’t gone unnoticed, either. May has worked with some of the most respected and creative underground musicians working in the industry today, including Joe Armon-Jones and drummer Eddie Hick, and has performed live in some of the UK’s greatest music venues. If you want to witness Ella’s talent in action, the star has upcoming shows this year (Covid-permitting) in locations such asGreen Doorin Brighton, Omearain London, The Workman’s Club in Dublin, Ireland, and many more around the UK.
In September 2019, May released her 10-track debut album, So Far, and didn’t fail to inject her signature fresh and cool sound into every track. The album was well-received by critics, loved by fans and praised for being a solid contribution to the modern Jazz scene. As a dark skin Black female, Ego Ella May is breaking down boundaries in a crowded industry, showcasing to the world her immense talent and most authentic self. We can’t wait to see what she does next.
Listen to Ego Ella May on Spotify, Apple Music and SoundCloud.
Check out the other up-and-coming artists we’ve highlighted in our Discover Weekly series.