As we enter the final month of 2018, we feel it’s the right time to reveal our shout for the top 5 urban faces that will help propel brands or bridge the gap to the lucrative urban market in the UK.

The urban market continues to grow at a rapid pace, as does the acceptance of its musicians, actors and social media personalities in to the mainstream market. As such, these are the 5, in no particular order, we’re tipping to have a very influential 2019 with brands:

1. Mo The Comedian: Honing his craft for years as a comedian on the underground circuit, Mo The Comedian is proving his ability and like-ability with every gig. Such is his rise, he is now hosting award shows, co-hosting on main stream television, headlining his own tour and done a stint on Live at the Apollo. We can see brands definitely seeking out his crossover comedic appeal. 

2. Yxng Bane: The East London rapper certainly drips a coolness that brands will want to align themselves with, and why wouldn’t they as he has a great mentor in Tinie Tempah as he’s managed by his music company, Disturbing London. Having done a collaboration with clothing brand Timberland in his recent music promo for the Slip N Slide record, Yxng Bane demonstrates his selling abilities to the urban market as his music continues to stream in the millions. 

3. Dig Dat: The newest comer of the lot to the urban scene, but what an impact he’s made. Charting on the UK Official Charts at No 20 with his Airforce Remix, the song has made headlines for being the first song from the Drill genre to chart nationally. The teenage to young twenties demographic are definitely feeling this new artist so expect brands to follow closely behind.

4. Maya Jama: You’d be mistaken for thinking Maya is only Stormzy’s girlfriend. The half Somali, half Swedish business woman, TV and radio presenter, model and entrepreneur to name a few of her many talents, is naturally an influencer to a wide demographic of females from multiple backgrounds with a few clothing and beauty brand deals already. This is sure to increase in 2019.

5. Fredo: Why this West London street rapper has not got a brand partnership with Harrods or Selfridges is baffling to us, as many of his lyrics talk about spending obscene amounts of money shopping in the luxurious stores. With a collaboration on Dave’s record Freaky Friday, charting at No 1 on the UK Official Charts, Fredo talks about the expensive things in life on many of his songs. We believe he wont get through 2019 without a partnership or collaboration with a high end designer being revealed, especially after his early 2019 UK headline tour.