Ray BLK – Bio, Career, Age, Achievements

INTRODUCTION

Ray BLK, whose real name is Rita Ekwere, is a Nigerian-born British singer and songwriter known for her soulful R&B and neo-soul sound blended with grime and hip-hop influences. Born in Nigeria, she moved to London at the age of four and grew up in Catford, South East London. Her stage name BLK stands for “Building Living Knowing,” which she describes as her three main values. Ray BLK made history as the first unsigned artist to win the BBC’s Sound of 2017, establishing herself as one of the UK’s most promising R&B talents.

Birth name: Rita Ekwere

Career

Singer, songwriter, rapper

Birthday

August 2, 1994

Age: 32

Zodiac Sign:
Leo

Birthplace: Nigeria

Nationality: British-Nigerian

HOW BIG IS Ray BLK ON THE NET?

Ray BLK has built a growing presence across social media and streaming platforms. She made history as the first unsigned artist to win the BBC’s Sound of 2017 and has since released her critically acclaimed debut album Access Denied in October 2021. She has collaborated with major artists across the UK music scene and maintains an engaged fanbase through her authentic storytelling and powerful vocal delivery.

HOW DID Ray BLK become famous?

She rose to fame when she won the BBC’s Sound of 2017, becoming the first unsigned artist to receive the honor. She had been building her career since forming a music group called “New Found Content” with her school friend MNEK at the age of 13. She released her debut mini-album Durt in October 2016 and signed to the UK branch of Island Records in January 2018.

BEFORE THE FAME

Before becoming famous, Ray BLK was born in Nigeria and moved to London at the age of four, growing up in Catford, South East London. She studied English literature at Brunel University, where her dissertation focused on post-colonial Nigerian literature by Chinua Achebe and Chimamanda Adichie. She worked in an advertising agency to sustain her music career in its early days.

CLOSE WITH (ASSOCIATED)

Ray BLK has collaborated with numerous artists including Stormzy, MNEK, Gorillaz, Giggs, Kojey Radical, Stefflon Don, Wretch 32, Tinie Tempah, Naughty Boy, Rudimental, and Wyclef Jean. She collaborated with Stormzy on the track “My Hood” and with MNEK on “Not for The Radio.” She formed her first music group with MNEK at age 13.

Personal LIFE and Relationship

Ray BLK was born in Nigeria and raised in Catford, South East London. She keeps most of her personal life private and is primarily known for her contributions to the UK R&B and soul scene. She continues to be active in the music community and is respected as one of the leading voices in British R&B.