Essii: International Showcase Fund (SXSW 2025)
Since launching her career in 2020, independent, British-Zambian artist, Essii has successfully gained recognition from the likes of Clash and Wonderland, all whilst accruing a growing fanbase that has earned her over 2 million streams across streaming platforms and over 3 million views on YouTube.
Her lyrical artistry blossomed from her journey in relationships and heartbreak and she has successfully cemented herself as an exciting new voice in the R&B scene. Notably, her early collaboration with pop star, Coi Leray on their single ‘Brown Eyes’, scored spins on BBC Radio 1, Kiss Fresh, and Rinse, whilst receiving a buzz from fans on TikTok and the music video seeing over 2 million views.
2024 was one to remember for Essii, dropping her first EP and following with her latest release ‘I Wanna’ which earned BBC Introducing’s ‘Track of The Week’.
Being an independent artist means taking on many different roles in order to reach your audience with your music. Navigating the industry whilst trying to balance the creative side of the job can be difficult and overwhelming but grants such as the International Showcase Fund take some pressure off artists like Essii and create unique opportunities that can potentially change the trajectory of their careers. This year, Essii will be performing at SXSW festival, just ahead of her next project’s release. Because of the ISF, she can go on a trip that will not only open doors to making professional connections but also push her music to more international ears.