Alessia Cara, Section Boyz, Mabel Lead BBC Sound Of 2016 Longlist

Each year BBC Music selects the musician who they think will go on to have a big impact in the following year. Last year, they deftly chose Years & Years to have a big year and judging by the success of Communion and its singles like "Desire," it is hard to argue with their choice. The longlist for 2016 has been revealed with 15 names from around the world that they think will do well in 2016, including Mabel, Section Boyz, Alessia Cara and others.

The diverse list of acts varies from pop to r&b to hip-hop to folk to rock and everything in between with artists mix, match and blend some of those genres into their own sound. The Sound of 2015 had more names that jumped off the page at you immediately with other names like James Bay, Shamir, Raury, Slaves and Rae Morris all getting a nod on the longlist, but this list of acts does have talent from top to bottom.

The winner would be set up to have a big next year given the BBC's success at picking recent acts like HAIM, Sam Smith, Adele and Ellie Goulding. See the full 2016 longlist below and get ready for the winner early next year. The list and winner is eventually chosen by a panel of 144 DJs, critics and writers.

Sound Of 2016 Longlist:

Izzy Bizu
Blossoms
Alessia Cara
Loyle Carner
Frances
Jack Garratt
J Hus
Dua Lipa
Mabel
Billie Marten
Mura Masa
NAO
Rat Boy
Section Boyz
WSTRN

Previous BBC Sound Of... winners:

2015: Years and Years
2014: Sam Smith
2013: HAIM
2012: Michael Kiwanuka
2011: Jessie J
2010: Ellie Goulding
2009: Little Boots
2008: Adele
2007: Mika
2006: Corinne Bailey Rae
2005: The Bravery
2004: Keane
2003: 50 Cent

Tags

Alessia Cara