FULL LIST: Asake nominated for BBC Sound of 2023

Ahmed Ololade, the Nigerian singer better known as Asake, has been nominated for the BBC Radio 1 Sound of 2023 award.

The BBC Radio 1 Sound award is an initiative that predicts and honours “some of the biggest and most exciting global superstars”.

The nominees were unveiled via the organisation’s website on Monday.

In a statement, the organisers said the nominees were selected by a panel of over 130 industry experts and artistes.

“The list was compiled using recommendations from 136 influential music experts, including artistes, DJs, radio and TV producers, journalists, streaming experts and festival bookers. All were asked to name their favourite three new acts, who could be performers from any country and any musical genre, whether or not they are signed,” it reads.

“They cannot have been the lead artist on a UK top five album or three UK top ten singles before 31 October 2022. They also must not already be widely known by the UK general public (for example, a member of a hit band going solo or a TV star) or have appeared on the Sound Of… list before.”

It added that the winner will be revealed on January 5, 2023, on Radio 1.

Last year’s edition of the award was won by PinkPantheress, the English singer and songwriter.

Commenting on the list, Chris Price, head of music for Radio 1, said this year’s edition is “one of the strongest and most diverse” in history.

“This year’s Sound Of longlist is one of the strongest and most diverse we’ve ever published. The most striking thing about it is the breadth of genres represented,” Price said.

“Every single artist on the list has been incubated on Radio 1’s playlist and specialist output; whoever wins, we can be sure that 2023 will be a vintage year for new Pop, Dance, R&B, Soul, Drum & Bass, Afrobeats and Indie.”

Below is the full list of nominees:

• Asake
• Biig Piig
• Cat Burns
• Dylan
• FLO
• Fred Again
• Gabriels
• Nia Archives
• Piri & Tommy
• Rachel Chinouriri