Ray BLK

Rita Ekwere (born 2 August 1994), better known under her stage name of Ray BLK (pronounced "Ray Black"), is a British singer and songwriter who was born in Nigeria, and grew up in Catford in London. She won the BBC's Sound of 2017, and was the first unsigned artist to do so. On 28 October 2016, she released her debut mini-album, Durt, and in January 2018 signed to the UK branch of Island Records. Her debut full-length studio album, Access Denied, was released to critical acclaim in October 2021.

Background Ray BLK, whose real name is Rita Ekwere, was born in Nigeria and moved to London when she was about four. She grew up in Catford.

Career Ray released her first recordings while studying for her English degree. On 6 January 2017, Ray was announced as the winner of the BBC's Sound of 2017.

In November 2019, she released a song called "Action" with rapper Chip, then went on to teasing more music with 3 snippets on Instagram from her upcoming debut album which will be released in 2021.

In July 2021, she released a single "MIA" featuring American singer Kaash Paige and announced that her debut album Access Denied would be released on 17 September 2021 through Island Records, later delayed to 1 October. Upon release the album attracted critical acclaim and was listed as one of the best albums of 2021 by NME.

In 2023, she made her acting debut as Honey on the BBC One musical drama series Champion. She also served as music executive on the soundtrack alongside Ghetts and the show's creator and writer Candice Carty-Williams.

Discography Studio albums Title Details Access Denied Released: 1 October 2021 Label: Island Records Format: Digital download

EPs Title Details Durt Released: 28 October 2016 Label: Self-released Format: Digital download Empress Released: 26 October 2018 Label: Island Records Format: Digital download A Forest Fire Released: 25 October 2024 Label: Self-released Format: Digital download

Mixtapes Title Details Havisham Released: 15 March 2015 Label: Self-released Format: Digital download

Singles As a lead artist

As a featured artist Title Year Album "The Apprentice" (Gorillaz featuring Rag'n'Bone Man, Zebra Katz & Ray BLK)2017 Humanz "Flat Champagne" (Dan Caplen featuring Ray BLK) Flat Champagne – EP "Scared of Love" (Rudimental featuring Ray BLK & Stefflon Don) 2019 Toast to Our Differences "Daily Duppy (Relate)"(Big Tobz featuring Ray BLK) 2020 Issa Vibe "Need You Tonight" 2022 She

Promotional singles Title Year Album "Mama" 2018 Empress "LOVE." "Paradise" 2019 Empress

Other charted songs Title Year Peak chart positions Album UK "Rubber Bands" 2018 61 Crop Circle

Guest appearances