Mahalia has topped YouTube Music’s first ever Ones To Watch list.
The rising star came in at number one on the streaming platform’s spotlight on new talent, which has earmarked ten emerging music artists destined for big things in 2019.
The list was pulled together by considering a number of factors, including YouTube views, engagement from global music fans and YouTube Music analytics.
“What an honour. To be at the top of YouTube Music’s One to Watch list for 2019 is such a special moment for me,” said Mahalia.
“There are so many wonderful, talented artists on this list – many who I keep super close to my heart. As a late 90s baby, I grew up watching YouTube – constantly finding videos of artists who inspired me.
“I basically learnt how to play so much of what I know on the guitar from watching people on YouTube. The platform has helped me grow and build a real, personal fan base in the UK and around the world while never compromising my creativity.
“This recognition means so much to me, my close ones and my team. I can’t wait to share my debut album in 2019.”
Octavian, Grace Carter, Sam Fender, and one of our favourites L Devine also made the list.
“I’ve been discovering new artists and watching music videos on YouTube for as long as I can remember so I’m absolutely thrilled to be included in the Ones To Watch list for 2019 from YouTube Music,” said L Devine.
“I have some very exciting plans for the coming year – loads more music, music videos, live shows and content for the fans – and I’m so happy that I now get to share it all with the support of YouTube!”
Azi Eftekhari, Head of Music Partnerships at YouTube, UK added: “This is a year of UK artists doing their own thing. With the freedom musicians now have to express themselves not just sonically, but visually, it’s perhaps unsurprising that this list only features solo artists, many of whom are genuinely pushing artistic and visual boundaries.
“For example, Kojey, Octavian and Slowthai are arguably redefining UK rap as a genre, and acts like Mahalia, L Devine and Grace Carter – while they undeniably have huge commercial appeal – don’t conform to the conventional expectations of a pop act.
“One thing is certain – YouTube continues to be an unmatched launch pad for emerging artists, and 2019 is set to be a huge year for homegrown UK talent.”
The full list of YouTube Music’s Ones To Watch 2019 are as follows:
1. Mahalia
2. Octavian
3. Grace Carter
4. Kojey Radical
5. Sam Fender
6. Slowthai
7. L Devine
8. Dermot Kennedy
9. Samm Henshaw
10. Jade Bird
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