The Amy of Gen Z? Soulful R’n’B has the potential to do that.
SE9 is a postcode in deep south-east London. Skye Newman grew up here on the council estate with little money and a lot of family drama. But the woman in her early twenties made it through – with resilience, smoking weed and a passion for singing. Only a lot of practice creates a self-confident, soulful organ like that of Newman, who had a steep career in 2025 from viral hit to opening act for Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi and among this year’s Brit Award nominations.
And is often compared to Amy Winehouse and Adele. Newman’s expressive voice can compete with the two icons. The three are also similar when it comes to working-class brashness. But Newman is more influenced by R’n’B, less retro and opulent. It is sometimes accompanied by a hip-hop beat, atmospheric synth or acoustic guitars.
And even though Newman sings a lot about guys, she also openly addresses domestic trauma (“Vicious Cycle”) and celebrates the female homies in her life (“Woman I Am”). Keywords: mental health and female empowerment. Prediction after the second EP: Newman could become the Amy-Adele of Gen Z. The main thing is to stick to soft drugs.
