Mar 03, 2024 at 4:18 PM Update: 3 days ago
RAYE was the big winner on Saturday at the BRIT Awards, the most important British music prizes. The 26-year-old singer’s career has skyrocketed ten years following her debut. This is the story of the record-breaking singer.
RAYE was born in London in October 1997. The singer (her real name is Rachel Keen) has both English and Ghanaian roots, an influence that can later also be heard in her music. From an early age, RAYE was fascinated by music and was active in the music industry from an early age.
From the age of fourteen to sixteen she attended the BRIT School, which has a direct link with the BRIT Awards. The singer released several EPs and collaborated with other artists, such as Jonas Blue and Jax Jones. She also wrote several songs for big names such as Beyoncé, Little Mix and Charli XCX.
However, a breakthrough as a solo artist failed to materialize: her music was constantly questioned and rejected. Including by the label she has been under contract with since 2014, Polydor Records. In 2021, five years following signing a four-album deal, the label still refused to release her debut album.
The then 19-year-old RAYE during a performance in London in 2016. Photo: Getty Images
RAYE posted a video message on social media, expressing her frustration. “Dozens of potential hits are collecting dust in folders,” the singers said. “I did everything Polydor asked me, I changed genres, I worked seven days a week. They listen to me now, or we break up,” she concluded the video.
Ultimately, the label and the singer reach an agreement. The contract is terminated and she is allowed to keep her own songs. One of those songs was Escapism, which is regarding dealing with difficult situations and seeking escape in drugs and sex. Polydor Records never thought the song was good enough. After the contract termination, RAYE decided to release the song itself in 2022. And with success: the song immediately went viral on TikTok and received tens of millions of streams.
Shortly followingwards, in 2023, the singer released her debut album My 21st Century Blues out. RAYE’s music style is a mix of pop and R&B. By the end of the year, it sold more than 60,000 copies and was nominated for a Mercury Prize, the UK’s best album.
RAYE at the launch of her debut album ‘My 21st Century Blues’. Photo: Instagram RAYE
RAYE says during a performance at the Glastonbury festival in 2023 that one of the songs on the album, Ice Cream Manis regarding an incident where a music producer put his hand between her legs. She was only seventeen years old at the time. “This song is regarding sexual abuse, rape and sexual violence,” she says. “And I know that’s hard, but I also know that one in four men and women will experience this in their lifetime. I know I’m not alone when I sing this today.”
RAYE openly talks regarding the difficult period that followed the incident. “For me, unfortunately, using narcotics was a way to numb the trauma. I was in quite deep and at a certain point it became really dangerous.” The number Escapism is regarding this period. Her music is characterized by emotional depth and musical versatility. Many listeners are not only fans of the music, but also of RAYE herself, especially because of her resilience and perseverance.
‘Escapism’ is regarding one of the darkest times in RAYE’s life. “I found these photos in 2019, it was a time when I was so alone and broken,” she wrote on social media.Photo: Instagram RAYE
With millions of streams, views, and multiple record-breaking nominations, RAYE’s talent is increasingly recognized. “Finally I’m here and finally I have control over my career,” the singer tells the BBC. “Things are so positive and I’m honestly so grateful.”
Last Saturday, the singer received six awards at the BRIT Awards and broke the record for the most awards won in a single awards ceremony. With seven nominations she had the best chance of winning an award. That was also a record.
RAYE won the prize for song of the year, best new artist, album of the year and artist of the year. Photo: Getty Images