music
March 2, 2026
Have You Heard Her Yet? Meet Olivia Dean, the New Jewel of British Pop
She is 26 years old, with a fresh and light image, without much fanfare. Her mother is Jamaican-Guyanese and her father is English. She started in music at 16...
TL;DR
- Olivia Dean began composing songs and teaching herself guitar and piano at 16, performing on the streets by 17.
- Her career gained traction after self-releasing the single 'Reason to Stay' and signing with AMF Records and Virgin EMI Records.
- During the pandemic, she connected with fans through social media and outdoor performances in a uniquely decorated truck.
- Amazon Music named her breakthrough artist of the year in April 2021.
- Her 2023 debut album 'Messy' and 2025 follow-up 'The Art of Loving' received critical acclaim, establishing her in the neo-soul and pop genres.
- Dean is the first British woman since Adele to have three UK top 10 singles, with 'Man I Need' reaching high global Spotify and Billboard charts.
- She announced her largest UK and EU headline tour for April 2026, including sold-out shows at London's O2.
- At the 2026 Brit Awards, Dean won Artist of the Year, Pop Artist, Song of the Year for 'Rein Me In,' and Album of the Year for 'The Art of Loving.'