The International R&B Sounds We Discovered at SXSW

One of the most rewarding parts of SXSW is discovering artists from around the globe who bring their own cultural flavor to the original rooted music genres like R&B, hip-hop, and jazz. The international showcases that come to Austin every year create moments where borders blur and creative influences collide. From the packed streets of 6th to tucked-away venues with standing-room-only crowds, there's never a shortage of new talent in town.

This year, The Wave caught a few standout sets from international R&B artists — all performing in the U.S. for fresh audiences, many for the first time. What made this experience even more special: these were all first listens for us, and each artist brought a unique approach to the genre that made an impression. Here are the artists who stood out and the moments that stayed with us.

Gayathri Krishnan

Inside the vibrant walls of Flamingo Cantina, Los Angeles-based artist Gayathri Krishnan delivered a set that beautifully fused her Carnatic music roots with the lush textures of 90s and early-2000s R&B. Raised on traditional South Indian music but shaped by her life in the U.S., Gayathri’s sound bridges generations and geographies — and live, it hits even harder.

She stepped onstage in a vibrant, print-heavy outfit that fused cultural flair with modern style — bold patterns, flowy pants, and layered accessories that reflected both heritage and individuality. The look felt intentional, expressive, and true to the music she creates: rooted, radiant, and one-of-a-kind.

The keyboardist deserves a shoutout for how he meshed Gayathri’s cultural melodies with slick, soulful chords, creating a sound that was both intricate and emotionally rich. Tracks like “Fuck Shit” stood out, not just for their bold title but for the honesty in her lyrics — a quiet but powerful refusal to settle for anything less than she deserves. The crowd at Flamingo Cantina was deep and engaged, a testament to how quickly Gayathri’s music connects, even with first-time listeners.

Adjua

Performing with a guitar in hand and a presence that filled the room, Welsh indie R&B artist Adjua brought a moody, melodic vibe to her set. Known for blending haunting vocal lines with sharp instrumentation, she didn’t hold back during her SXSW performance — even debuting a song written in her hotel during her stay in Texas, with lyrics reflecting on the sweltering heat and a touch of homesickness.

Her vocal tone, marked by a distinctive Welsh accent, added a unique texture to the performance. One of the night’s highlights came when her bandmate — whose name we didn’t catch — stepped in for a solo moment and performed a song of her own. It was a brief but fire addition that showcased the musical chemistry on stage.

Runyu Qian

Runyu Qian’s set was an immersive experience in cultural fusion. A Berklee College of Music grad with a focus on electronic production, Runyu blends Chinese folk music with contemporary R&B, pop, and EDM in a way that feels experimental yet grounded.

She hit the stage in a striking red and black outfit that perfectly matched her genre-bending sound. The asymmetrical cut and layered textures gave her a modern edge, while subtle nods to cultural tradition added depth. Bold accessories elevated the look without overwhelming it, allowing her to maintain a strong stage presence that complemented — rather than distracted from — her music.

When she picked up her instrument — a distinctive multi-string electric bass with an unconventional shape and possible custom build — the crowd took notice. The bass, likely a boutique or extended-range model such as a Warrior, allowed her to deliver complex, layered lines that underscored her sonic versatility. She moved effortlessly between smooth R&B ballads and pop-leaning grooves, before closing with a track featuring a traditional stringed instrument from China. It was one of the most technically rich and emotionally charged sets we saw at SXSW — a full-circle moment of East-meets-West creativity.

Pritt

On a windy day in Austin, South London artist Pritt gave a performance that was grounded, intimate, and spiritually warm. Seated for her set, Pritt’s soft-spoken vocals floated over minimalist instrumentation led by two bandmates — both playing traditional instruments that added emotional depth and cultural weight to her music.

Being Eelam Tamil, Pritt fuses her South Indian heritage with Western R&B, using Carnatic melisma and honest lyrics to challenge stereotypes and amplify femininity. Her female bandmate, in particular, held down the stage with a guitar nearly taller than she was, but she played it like a pro. The venue was packed across two levels — and when the set ended, the audience clearly wanted more. Her presence was understated but magnetic.

Lizzie Berchie

Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to Lizzie Berchie’s set — but she still earned a mention here. With over 175k monthly Spotify listeners and co-signs from UK festivals and tours with the likes of Noname, her name was already buzzing.

Originally from East London, Lizzie blends R&B, neo-soul, jazz, and reggae into a deeply introspective and celebratory sound. Her two EPs, Under the Sun and Am I An Adult Yet?, tap into themes of Black British womanhood, growth, and self-love. We had hoped to hear “I Hope” live, but next time she hits the U.S., we’ll be there front and center — or we might just book a flight to the UK.

Photo Credit:

Gayathri Khrishnan: madlight.productions

Adjua: Mars

Runyu Qian: Ashley Lee

Pritt: Mars

Lizzie Berchie: Ramario Chevoy