While searching for live clips of Erykah Badu on youtube, I spotted the name Y’akoto. With intrigue, I soon found out the 23 year old, who is half German and half Ghanian, supported Badu at her recent show in Basel.

Y’akoto boldy cites Sade, Nina Simone and Lauryn Hill as her musical influences and this becomes very evident when you hear her debut single ‘Tamba’. With her distinctive jazzy soul voice (which, to me, is more Billie Holiday than Nina Simone), she easily set’s herself apart from the many female singers releasing music at the moment.

‘Tamba’ is from the forthcoming EP of the same name which is released on the 26th of August. If she’s good enough for Erykah…

Download: Y’akoto – ‘Tamba’

Solange is no stranger to a collaboration, having already appeared on the latest albums from Theophilus London, Of Montreal and Chromeo. She now appears alongside Reward on his new single, ‘Equal Dreams’.  She may not have the biggest voice, but her voice is well suited over this electro beat and should keep fans happy while they wait for her much talked about third album.

Download: Rewards Feat. Solange – ‘Equal Dreams’

The beautiful Andy Allo is currently part of Prince’s NPG, and has just shared this recently recorded acoustic version of ‘Guitar’ (from Prince’s ’07  album Planet Earth).  Hopefully Prince will be on hand to assist Andy on her second album.

Download: Prince & Andy Allo – Guitar (Acoustic)