The Last Dinner Party, Elmiene and Peggy Gou lead BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2024 longlist

The nominated artists are: Ayra Starr, Caity Baser, CMAT, Elmiene, Kenya Grace, The Last Dinner Party, Olivia Dean, Peggy Gou, Sekou and Tyla.

Last year FLO won, beating out the likes of Fred again.., Asake, Dylan and Cat Burns. Previous winners include Stormzy, Adele, Lady Gaga, Dizzee Rascal, The Weeknd, Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish and Lewis Capaldi.

The list was compiled using recommendations from 149 music experts, including artists, DJs, radio and TV producers, journalists, streaming experts and festival bookers. All were asked to name their favourite three new acts, who could be performers from any country and any musical genre, whether or not they are signed. They cannot have been the lead artist on a UK number 1 or number 2 album or more than two UK top ten singles before 12 October 2023. They also must not already be widely known by the UK general public (for example, a member of a hit band going solo or a TV star) or have appeared on the Sound Of… list before.

The countdown of the Top 5 begins on Monday 1 January 2024, with the winner revealed on Friday 5 January on Radio 1. The BBC station will also host a special event – BBC Radio 1 Sound of 2024 Live – which will be held at Maida Vale on Monday 8 January with performances from artists on the longlist. You can apply for tickets online.