WHAT IT IS: This 21-year-old newcomer from South Africa is breaking continental boundaries and giving R&B a fresh face. Elaine’s first, now-platinum-project, Elements, released independently while she was studying law at the University of Witwatersrand, reached #1 on the Apple Music Sub-Saharan African chart and spawned the 7x platinum breakout single “You’re the One,” which became the most-streamed South African song across all genres in 2020. This rising star, who’s been nominated for Breakout Act at the 2021 MTV Africa Music Awards, is quickly claiming her spot in the R&B universe.
SINGLE: “You’re the One”
INTERNET: Most-streamed South African woman on Spotify in 2020, 109k+ monthly listeners; 8.3m+ combined YouTube video views, 133k+ subscribers; 394k+ followers across social media
RADIO: “You’re the One” reached #1 for four weeks on Apple Music’s Sub-Saharan African chart; airplay on The Joe Budden Podcast
PRESS: Redbull (“South Africa’s new R&B It Girl”), Teen Vogue (“Known for her rich vocals, great style, and vulnerable lyrics”), more
MANAGEMENT: Courtney Stewart/Right Hand Co.