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Nil眉fer Yanya

Growing up in West London, 22-year-old Nilüfer Yanya was immersed in music by her artist parents, who have Turkish, Irish and Bajan heritage. She grew up listening to Nina Simone, Amy Winehouse and Pixies and, unusually, you can hear traces of all three in her guitar-driven soul.

Rejected twice from a popular music degree she sought her own path, rising from the capital’s open mic nights to 大象传媒 Radio 6 Music’s playlist with her breakthrough single, Baby Luv.

Nil眉fer Yanya - Baby Luv (大象传媒 Music Introducing session)

Nil眉fer Yanya performs Baby Luv in session for 大象传媒 Music Introducing.

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Nil眉fer's journey to the Sound of 2018 Longlist

In Nilüfer's own words and pictures, a personal glimpse into her path to the 大象传媒 Music Sound of 2018 Longlist...

"October 2016. Me with my first vinyl for Small Crimes EP."

"March 2017. Me and my band recording at Maida Vale Studios for 大象传媒 Introducing."

"October 2017. Istanbul with the band"

"16th October 2017. First day of my UK tour! Just about to play sold out show at Omeara London!"

"November 2017. California Dreaming before my show at The Masonic Lodge Hollywood."