Nao

Nao, born Neo Jessica Joshua on 20 December 1987 in Nottingham, UK, is a contemporary R&B singer, songwriter, and producer of Jamaican, Vincentian, and Grenadinian descent. After training at London's prestigious Guildhall School of Music & Drama and working as a backing singer for acts such as Jarvis Cocker and Kwabs, she emerged in the mid-2010s, releasing her first EP So Good in October 2014. Her debut album, For All We Know (2016), garnered critical acclaim, leading to a Brit nomination for Best British Female Solo Artist and showcasing her ability to blend contemporary R&B with elements of funk, soul, and electronic music. The album’s standout singles, such as “Bad Blood” and “Fool to Love,” established Nao as an innovative voice in modern R&B. Cult UK artist A.K. Paul was among the album's guests. Nao’s follow-up album, Saturn (2018), further cemented her reputation and sent her star into orbit, picking up a nomination for Album of the Year at the Mercury Prize in 2019 and one for Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 62nd Grammy Awards in 2020. She beat her own record in 2021 with And Then Life Was Beautiful, rocketing to the top of the UK R&B chart. Jupiter followed, produced by longtime collaborator Stint.