R&B is thriving in the UK, yet the genre is entering an eclectic, bold transformation. Rising songstress Moniah is the perfect evidence of that. Exploring the fine line between tradition and progress, the talented British creative crafts relatable, empowering gems with a bubbly and uplifting outlook, yet still drenched in evocative energy and cathartic lyricism. Alongside luscious, elegant vocals, Moniah doesn’t hesitate to delve into pop and house-flavoured solutions, something that makes her catalogue appealing to a wider audience.
Latest single ‘RUN’ is the strongest evidence of that. A vibrant, positive gem, the record wraps Moniah’s intriguing melodies into an electronic triumph, with crepuscular, minimal tones providing the perfect side dish to an already compelling offering. Gearing up for an EP to be released later this year, the London-based singer is in a really good place, artistically speaking.
Keen to learn more, we caught up with Moniah to dive deeper into her artistry and future goals… Interview below!
Hey Moniah, how is it going? Thanks for chatting with us! You are one of London’s finest R&B promises – what’s your opinion on the state of the genre in 2025, and do you believe there’s still an extensive audience for it?
Thank you, I really appreciate your kind words. I think R&B is thriving—it’s going through a renewed cycle where we’re no longer experiencing just one sound. There’s 90s-inspired R&B like FLO, electronic pop-infused R&B like Nao, and the warm, soulful feel of artists like Cleo Sol, along with so many other variations and sub-genres both in the UK and beyond.
I love that so many R&B singers and songwriters are branching out, taking risks, and boldly crossing genres to reinvent their own sound. As R&B continues to evolve, its audience is expanding too, with sub-genres and collaborations helping to push it forward. There’s definitely a growing space for R&B, and it’s still making an impact in commercial music as well.
Your current work is the result of a long journey; What first drew you to making music?
I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. I used to enter competitions and write my own songs, and at one point, I even had a vocal injury that affected me for years, making it difficult to sing. But from a young age, music was always a part of me—I remember singing my first karaoke song, listening to my favourite artists on repeat, and getting my first CD. I would spend hours memorising lyrics and singing along, completely immersed. In a strange way, it felt like music and I gravitated towards each other. I knew early on that I wanted to create music—to share stories and bring others the same joy that it’s always given me.
If you had the opportunity to pick any artists in the world for a collaboration, who would be your first choice? (and second choice, perhaps?)
This is a really tough question because I admire so many artists who are doing incredible things. But if I had to choose, I’d love to collaborate with Raye. For my second choice, I’d say Doechii.
You have just released a stunning and meaningful single, ‘Run’. It feels more eclectic than usual from a production standpoint – how did the track come along, and do you usually take a leading role in its sonic direction too?
RUN is definitely my boldest song so far! When I took it to my producer, Tim Blok, I told him I wanted it to be upbeat—something that leaned more towards indie pop, without being too electronic or too house. Georgia’s Started Out and Magnets by Disclosure and Lorde were key references for me. I love how both songs feel so dynamic, enchanting, and constantly evolving.
In the studio, I’m not just the singer-songwriter—I play a hands-on role in shaping the production too. I might not know which buttons to press, but I always know the sound I’m after. I was so excited about the production of this track that I even went out of my way to find some sounds I thought would elevate the experience. I am always considering the audience experience when I know a song is finished.
We appreciate the empowering, resilient message you are sharing with the listeners through the song – always strive for what’s taking you forward. Is that taken from personal experience?
It definitely comes from personal experience. I’ve realised how much fear holds so many of us back. Some people might hide it better than others, but when you really dig deep into conversation, you see just how scared we all are—scared to leave a job that makes us unhappy, a relationship, a career, a neighbourhood, or a way of life, simply because it’s all we’ve ever known. The familiar feels safer than the unknown. I completely understand that feeling, but I’m making a conscious effort to break free from it. RUN is my way of sharing that encouragement—of reminding myself and others to push past fear and keep moving forward.
Do you feel more confident writing music alone, or within a team?
If you’d asked me this a year ago, I would have said I feel more confident writing alone. But over the past six months, I’ve been co-writing a lot, and it’s been such an empowering experience. Meeting new people, getting into a room and creating something fresh together—it’s really helped me grow as a writer. Being invited into these spaces has boosted my confidence even more, and now I feel stronger than ever, both in my own abilities and in collaborative settings.
Artistically speaking, what challenges have the last two years presented you with?
I think one of the biggest challenges—something people don’t always realise—is that artists create a lot of songs, and not all of them make the final cut. It’s tough when you write a song you absolutely loved two years ago, but by the time you’re ready to release it, it no longer resonates with you in the same way. Over the past year, I’ve been managing myself and making careful decisions about which songs to release. Some tracks that I really liked just didn’t make the cut, and the world will never hear them. That’s always a difficult call to make, but it’s part of the process.
What are the next steps for your project? Anything exciting on the horizon?
I’m planning to release my debut EP this spring! I’d love for you to come on the journey with me—it’s going to be epic. Keep an eye out!
