Ibeyi, Sudan Archives, Orion Sun

As IBEYI, the French-Cuban twins Lisa-Kaindé and Naomi Díaz send soaring liquid vocal harmonies over an “intoxicating blend of hip hop, electronica, and traditional Yoruba” (NPR) music. Born in Cuba (their father, the late conguero Miguel “Anga” Diaz, was a member of Buena Vista Social Club) and raised in Paris, the sisters began performing in their early teens and were picked up by XL Recordings, which released their self-titled debut in 2015. Their ascent has been fast and steep ever since: an appearance in Beyoncé’s Lemonade film; a politically-charged 2017 sophomore album, Ash, which featured guest spots by Kamasi Washington, Meshell Ndegeocello, and Chilly Gonzales; and swelling crowds wherever they go.

SUDAN ARCHIVES, another genre-defying musical alchemist, “transposes the bounce and swing of R&B and hip hop onto a fantastically original sound that could only exist now.” (Pitchfork) Drawing inspiration from Sudanese fiddlers, this self-taught violinist and singer folds elements of R&B and experimental electronic music into her unique songs. Her self-titled debut EP on Stones Throw Records is an extraordinary debut statement from a singular artist.

ORION SUN is the one-woman project of Philly-based singer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Tiffany Majette, an emerging creative force of nature who destined for greatness. She cites Frank Ocean and Lauryn Hill as primary influences, and you can hear echos of both in her mellow, carefully crafted songs, which are perfect “to dance to, cry to, fall in love to.” (WXPN Philadelphia)