R&B singer and songwriter Ray BLK has been named the winner of the BBC Music Sound Of 2017 poll.

Hailing from Catford, South London, she released her debut project Havisham in 2015 while in her final year of university. At the end of last year she released ‘5050’ and ‘My Hood’ featuring Stormzy – hear those below.

“Winning the BBC sound of 2017 has to be the most surprising thing that’s happened to me thus far,” she said. “I feel so honoured to have topped the list this early in my career and join such an incredible alumni of winners. Thank you so much to the BBC and all the voters! I’m particularly proud to be a part of this year’s list as it’s full of so much talent, some of whom are independent artists like myself which I really hope inspires the next generation of artists.”

Hip-hop, blues and soul singer-songwriter Rag ‘n’ Bone Man was this year’s runner-up, followed in third place by pop artist RAYE. Walsall-raised R&B singer Jorja Smith was fourth on the list and rapper Nadia Rose came fifth.

Around 170 music industry figures, including DJs, critics and bloggers, voted this year. The longlist included Anderson .Paak, Dave, Stefflon Don and AJ Tracey.

Previous winners have included Years & Years, Adele, Sam Smith, HAIM and Ellie Goulding.

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