From London with Soul: The Rise of Odeal and the UK R&B Summer Revival

His sun has broken through the clouds, and Odeal now stands as a defining presence in the new wave of UK R&B. From winning MOBO Awards to collaborating with the likes of Summer Walker, now taking centre stage at Wireless’ R&B takeover, Odeal is carving out a lane and telling a story of transformation in the season that changed everything. 

The UK has firmly positioned itself at the forefront of a new wave of R&B talent, both nationally and globally. Artists like FLO, Jvck James, Amaria BB, Mahalia, and Bellah are leading the charge, blurring genre lines while bringing back the essence of traditional R&B. Among this vibrant new class, one artist in particular is beginning to cement himself as a force to be reckoned with, not just within the UK R&B and Afrobeats scene, but on a global, commercial scale. 

German-born Odeal, already backed by heavyweights like SZA, Justin Bieber, Victoria Monét, and Halle Berry, is having a true breakout moment. With the release of his 7-track EP The Summer That Saved Me, it’s clear that both his summer and his rise are just beginning. Known for consistently dropping two EPs a year, one in summer and one in winter, Odeal invites listeners on a journey of self-discovery, summer romance, reflection, and artistic growth with this latest project. 

There’s a strong sense of coming-of-age running through this release, a bold musical statement marking a defining chapter in Odeal’s evolution as an artist. The Summer That Saved Me was conceptualised and crafted across Spain, Los Angeles, and the UK, during a deeply personal turning point: the moment he finally secured his British citizenship. Having grown up in the UK with Nigerian roots and long-faced travel restrictions, gaining his passport wasn’t just paperwork; it was liberation. That sense of newfound freedom pulses through every track. 

This EP bends and blends all the best elements of today’s soundscape, with touches of Afrohouse, jazz, R&B, and soul, making it a project with something for everyone. It bursts out of the gate with the opening track, ‘Miami’, featuring Leon Thomas, an enigmatic love song layered with dreamy guitar riffs and a smooth, R&B-driven instrumental reminiscent of Leon’s earlier hit ‘Mutt’. 

Throughout the EP, Odeal flexes his versatility and shows he can slip effortlessly into any sonic lane he chooses. On ‘London Summers’, he leans back into Afrohouse, a space where he truly shines. Echoing the vibe of his hit ‘Be Easy’, this track is equal parts party-starter and summer anthem for the girls. His airy vocals paired with a heavy B-line practically demand you get up and move. But the real standout, the one that caught me off guard in the best way, is ‘Patience’. A hidden gem tucked into the tracklist, it’s a cultural melting pot of sound. From the rich layering of Nigerian house influences to bold trumpets and a soulful choir woven behind Odeal’s vocals, it’s a masterclass in genre fusion. ‘Patience’ doesn’t just satisfy, it leaves you craving more.

Odeal’s breakout moment came with the viral success of ‘Soh Soh’, a track that catapulted him to the forefront of the UK music scene and firmly placed him in the conversation around the future of R&B. Since then, he’s proven time and time again that he’s not a fleeting talent; he’s here to stay. Earlier this year, he took home two MOBO Awards, a major industry co-sign, and was also nominated for Best International Artist at the BET Awards, a category that has previously honoured icons like Stormzy. These accolades mark not just personal milestones but also signal a shift in how UK R&B is being defined and recognised on a global stage. 

Riding the wave of this success, Odeal has secured high-profile collaborations with Summer Walker, Nines, and K-Trap, effortlessly bridging the worlds of R&B, Afrobeats, and UK rap. His earlier projects like the sleek, mood-driven Lustropolis and the genre-blending Sunday at Zuri’s showcase his range and vision, with ‘Soh Soh’ becoming a standout track that caught the attention of none other than Victoria Monét. Odeal isn’t just contributing to the UK’s R&B resurgence; he’s redefining it. 

With him now performing on arguably one of the biggest stages in the urban UK festival run, Wireless. At this year’s Wireless Festival, the R&B-focused Friday night was a statement. The genre took centre stage, and the UK scene showed up in full force. While global stars like Summer Walker, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and Leon Thomas brought the noise, it was the new wave of homegrown talent that truly stole the spotlight. Odeal delivered a magnetic performance that cemented his place as one of the UK’s most exciting voices, fusing soulful vocals with Afro-infused rhythms that had the crowd hooked. He wasn’t alone either; Kwn, NIPPA, and Kamille lit up the stage with raw emotion, slick production, and undeniable charisma. Hosted by the ever-vibrant Kamilla Rose, the night captured a powerful truth: UK R&B isn’t just rising, it’s thriving, evolving, and ready to take over.

Acts like Odeal, FLO, and emerging names like Kamille are leading the charge in showcasing the UK’s strength and originality in R&B. A genre that has long been dominated by American voices is now seeing a powerful shift as UK artists begin to receive the recognition they’ve long deserved. The sound is creating something fresh, something distinctly British. Rooted in the rich cultural melting pot of cities like London, this new wave is informed by a unique blend of influences from Afrobeat, jazz, and grime to gospel and soul. It’s a sound that couldn’t be born anywhere else. 

Odeal embodies this movement. Whether it’s his genre-blending music, his appearance at Paris Fashion Week sitting front row at Amiri, or his upcoming festival run across Europe and the United States, including Afro Nation, North Sea Jazz Festival, Lowlands, Rock en Seine, and Austin City Limits, the demand for UK R&B talent is loud and global. The rise of artists like Odeal signals not just a moment, but a new era, one where the UK isn’t just part of the R&B conversation, it’s leading it.