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Key Information

Abigail Elizabeth Smith,[1][2][3] (born January 16, 1995)[4] known professionally as Yebba, is an American singer and songwriter from West Memphis, Arkansas. She first became known for her YouTube channel and then for her backing vocal performance on Chance the Rapper's SNL performance of the song "Same Drugs" in 2016 and releasing her debut single "Evergreen" in 2017. She has collaborated with a number of artists, including PJ Morton, Sam Smith, Mark Ronson, Stormzy, Ed Sheeran, A$AP Rocky, Tyler, the Creator and Drake.

Career

[edit]

In 2017, Yebba revealed that she was co-signed by Ed Sheeran's record label Gingerbread Man Records[5] when she performed a song called "My Mind", which was written and performed about a week before her mother died. Sheeran described how the Sofar Sounds performance of the song was so powerful, it made him cry. Shortly after followed the official release of her debut single "Evergreen". About the song, she said "I grew up doing music in my dad's church from a baby, so I've spent about a seventh of my life on the front row, beside my momma, and right behind my dad's organ. Church has always been a place of honesty, questioning, and family. So after we saw mom's suicide, and that sense of family seemingly dissolved, a building I had become entirely estranged to seemed like the only place I could go."[6] Later that year, she collaborated with Sam Smith on the song "No Peace", which was released through Smith's 2017 album The Thrill of It All.[7]

In 2018, she collaborated with Zane Lowe to release her debut music video for her debut single "Evergreen", which was done so with support from Apple Music and Beats 1. Lowe stated about the music video, "YEBBA is an artist in every sense of the word, and working together to bring her vision to light was truly remarkable. She has one of the more powerful and exciting voices to come along in years, and we are excited to introduce her to the world".[6] She also appeared as a featured artist, alongside Maverick Sabre on Rudimental's promotional single "They Don't Care About Us", which served as a track from their 2019 album Toast to Our Differences. Additionally, she was a backing vocalist on the recent projects from Jess Glynne[8] and Mumford & Sons.[9]

In 2019, Yebba was nominated and won her first ever Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Performance of the song "How Deep Is Your Love", alongside PJ Morton at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards.[10] She also appeared on three songs from Mark Ronson's album Late Night Feelings.[11] In April, she appeared as a guest vocalist alongside The Staves for Mumford & Sons' live performance of the song "Beloved" on The Jonathan Ross Show.[12] In June, she was revealed to have a featured appearance on Ed Sheeran's collaborative effort No.6 Collaborations Project on a song entitled "Best Part of Me", which was eventually released as a promotional single. The song became her first charted release, peaking at 99 in the US Charts.[13] In August, she released her follow up single to "Evergreen", entitled "Where Do You Go". The song was produced by BJ Burton and The Picard Brothers.[14]

In May 2020, Yebba signed to RCA Records and released her first single, the Mark Ronson produced "Distance".[15]

In September 2021, Yebba appeared on the highly anticipated album Certified Lover Boy by Drake on a song entitled "Yebba's Heartbreak". The song serves as the album's interlude.[16] A week later, she would release her debut album Dawn, featuring artists A$AP Rocky and Smino.

Personal life

[edit]

Yebba has been an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness and support. Her mother died by suicide about a week after Yebba sang her first original song, causing "My Mind" to take on new meaning representing mental health. She says her artist name was chosen to honor her mother, who she said "always called her by the nickname" (her name Abbey written backwards) as a child. In memory of her mother, Yebba gave the song away free through her website.[17][18] Smith attended Belmont University in Nashville, TN.[19]

Artistry

[edit]

Yebba cites The Clark Sisters as her heroes and number one influences. She wrote on Instagram: "This family's music made me come to know Jesus. Anything I've learned about singing has been from trying to mimic them."[20] Records like "Nothing to Lose", "Jesus Lifted Me", "You Brought the Sunshine", "The Darkest Hour Is Just Before the Day" and "Jesus Is a Love Song" are some of her favorites.[21]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Album details Peak chart positions
US
Heat.
[22]
Dawn 6

Singles

[edit]

As lead artist

[edit]
Title Year Certification Album
"Evergreen" 2017 Non-album singles
"Where Do You Go" 2019
"Distance" 2020 Dawn
"My Mind" 2021 Non-album singles
"The Past and Pending"
"October Sky" Dawn
"Louie Bag"
(featuring Smino)
"Boomerang"
"All I Ever Wanted"
"Waterfall (I Adore You)"
(featuring Sweata) 		2023 Non-album single
[edit]
List of singles as featured artist, with selected chart positions, certifications and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
US
[24] 		AUS
[25] 		CAN
[26] 		DEN
[27] 		FRA
[28] 		GER
[29] 		NZ
[30] 		SWE
[31] 		UK
[32]
"They Don't Care About Us"[33]
(Rudimental featuring Maverick Sabre and Yebba) 		2018 — — — — — — — — — Toast to Our Differences
"Don't Leave Me Lonely"[34]
(Mark Ronson featuring Yebba) 		2019 — — — — — — — — 58 Late Night Feelings
"Best Part of Me"
(Ed Sheeran featuring Yebba) 		99 17 44 35 162 55 13 41 — No.6 Collaborations Project
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Other charted songs

[edit]
List of singles as featured artist, with selected chart positions, certifications and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
US
[24] 		AUS
[25] 		CAN
[26] 		FRA
[28] 		SWE
[31] 		WW
[37]
"No Peace"
(with Sam Smith) 		2017 — — 100 — 83 — The Thrill of It All
"Yebba's Heartbreak"
(with Drake) 		2021 24 38 43 94 — 24 Certified Lover Boy
"Die Trying"
(with PartyNextDoor and Drake) 		2025 21 40 14 — —[A] 32 Some Sexy Songs 4 U
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
[edit]
Year Title Album
2015 "Gravity"
(Clark Beckham featuring Yebba) 		Non-album single
"Smoke"
(Luke Levenson featuring Yebba)
2016 "Melatonin"
(A Tribe Called Quest featuring Yebba and Marsha Ambrosius) 		We Got It from Here...
Thank You 4 Your Service
2018 "How Deep Is Your Love" (Live)
(PJ Morton featuring Yebba) 		Gumbo Unplugged
"My Day Will Come"
(James Francies featuring Yebba) 		Flight
2019 "Knock Knock Knock"
(Mark Ronson featuring Yebba) 		Late Night Feelings
"When U Went Away"
(Mark Ronson featuring Yebba)
"Fuck Yo Feelings"
(Robert Glasper featuring Yebba) 		Fuck Yo Feelings
"Don't Leave Me Lonely" (Acoustic Version)
(Mark Ronson featuring Yebba and James Francies) 		Non-album single
"Don't Forget to Breathe (Interlude)"
(Stormzy featuring Yebba) 		Heavy Is the Head
2021 "How Much Can A Heart Take"
(Lucky Daye featuring Yebba) 		Table For Two
2022 "Over"
(Robert Glasper featuring Yebba) 		Black Radio III

Guest appearances

[edit]
List of guest backing appearances for other performing artists, showing year released and album name
Year Title Other artist(s) Album
2018 "Broken" Jess Glynne Always in Between
"42", "Beloved", "October Skies", "Rose of Sharon"[40] Mumford & Sons Delta
2019 "Money" Michael Kiwanuka, Tom Misch TBA
"Spinning" Mark Ronson, Ilsey Late Night Feelings
2025 "I’ll Take Care of You” Tyler, the Creator Don't Tap the Glass

Songwriting credits

[edit]
Year Artist Album Song Co-written with
2018 Brasstracks For Those Who Know, Pt. 2 "Improv #2 (Intro)"[41] Ivan Jackson, Conor Rayne, Richard Saunders, Elliot Skinner, Benjamin Lusher, Robert Glasper, Randy Vargas, Conor Szymanski
2019 Rudimental Toast to Our Differences "Leave It for Tomorrow" (featuring Elli Ingram)[42] Amir Izadkhah, Piers Aggett, Kesi Dryden, Leon "DJ Locksmith" Rolle

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Artist/work Category Result Ref.
2019 Grammy Awards "How Deep Is Your Love"
(PJ Morton featuring Yebba) 		Best Traditional R&B Performance Won [43]
2021 "Distance" Nominated
2022 "How Much Can a Heart Take"
(Lucky Daye featuring Yebba) 		Nominated
2022 Pop Awards Yebba Emerging Artist of the Year Won [44]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Yebba

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Abigail Elizabeth Smith, known professionally as Yebba, is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist born on January 16, 1995, in . Raised in a musical family with her father serving as a , she began singing in church at a young age and became a worship pastor by 15. Yebba gained initial recognition in 2016 through her powerful backing vocals on Chance the Rapper's track "Same Drugs" from the mixtape during a live performance on , which helped propel her into the spotlight as a featured artist. Her career quickly expanded with high-profile collaborations, including appearances on songs by artists such as Drake ("Yebba’s Heartbreak"), Ed Sheeran ("Best Part of Me"), Sam Smith (The Thrill of It All), and Mark Ronson (Late Night Feelings). In 2019, Yebba won her first Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance for "How Deep Is Your Love" alongside PJ Morton at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards, marking a significant milestone before her solo debut. She released her debut studio album, Dawn, in September 2021 via Sony Music, which explored themes of grief following her mother's death in 2016 and featured production from collaborators like the Roots and James Poyser. Yebba's versatile voice, blending soul, R&B, and influences, has earned her additional Grammy nominations, including for Best Traditional R&B Performance in 2022 for "How Much Can a Heart Take" with . In recent years, she has continued to perform and collaborate, notably featuring on Glasper's 2024 album Keys To The City Volume One, which received a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Jazz Album in 2026, and delivering live performances at events like the 2025 Jazz Festival. Her work emphasizes emotional depth and vocal prowess, establishing her as a prominent figure in and .

Early life

Family background

Abigail Elizabeth Smith, known professionally as Yebba, was born on January 16, 1995, in West Memphis, Arkansas. She grew up in a close-knit family environment deeply rooted in the local community, where music and spirituality played central roles from an early age. Her father was a preacher who actively incorporated music into family life, often praying and singing to her as a baby while playing the organ. He fostered an atmosphere of musical expression at home, contributing to her initial exposure to song and performance. Yebba's mother, Dawn, was a high school science teacher who brought educational elements like science experiments into the household, such as launching rockets in the backyard with her children. The family maintained a strong musical heritage, influenced by her grandparents' family band, which emphasized collective singing and instrumentation. Yebba's childhood home was filled with the sounds of and communal music, particularly through her involvement in church activities starting at age seven, where the choral traditions provided her first structured musical outlet. This environment, blending her parents' professions and familial traditions, shaped her early appreciation for and performance within a supportive, spiritually oriented setting.

Musical beginnings

Yebba's musical beginnings were rooted in the church, where she first developed her vocal abilities as the daughter of a in . Growing up in a spiritual household, she began singing during services at a young age and had become a worship pastor by the age of 15, directing choirs and leading performances that honed her natural talent for emotive delivery. After graduating from Marion High School in nearby , Smith pursued formal music studies at in , with initial aspirations to become a music teacher or worship leader. She attended for , focusing on vocal performance, but ultimately left without completing her degree to follow a more independent path in music. Following her time at Belmont, Smith relocated to New York City around 2015, seeking opportunities in the city's vibrant music scene and enrolling in informal training to refine her skills. There, she experimented with early songwriting in private settings and participated in amateur performances at local venues, building confidence through unrecorded, intimate sessions before gaining wider attention.

Career

2016–2019: Breakthrough and early releases

Yebba's breakthrough began in 2016 with a captivating performance of her original song "My Mind" at a event in on September 30. Uploaded to shortly after, the intimate rendition quickly went viral, amassing millions of views and drawing widespread praise for its raw emotional intensity and vocal prowess, which stemmed from the recent loss of her mother to . That same year, she contributed backing vocals to Chance the Rapper's live performance of "Same Drugs" on in December, where her soaring harmonies left a lasting impression on audiences and industry figures alike. In 2017, Yebba expanded her profile by opening for on select dates of his ÷ (Divide) Tour, including a show at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan on June 4. She also featured prominently on Sam Smith's sophomore album The Thrill of It All, providing vocals for the track "No Peace". In late 2017, Yebba independently released her debut single "," a soulful co-written with musician Jin Jin, which highlighted her ability to blend influences with introspective and earned acclaim for its heartfelt vulnerability. The track's release led to her co-signing with Ed Sheeran's , marking a pivotal step in her professional ascent and opening doors to further collaborations and live opportunities. By 2018 and 2019, Yebba built momentum through a series of high-profile live appearances. In 2018, she collaborated with on the track "How Deep Is Your Love" from his album , earning her first Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance at the in 2019. She also embarked on early headline tours and intimate sessions, such as those captured in live recordings that showcased her evolving songwriting and improvisational style, solidifying her reputation as a in and soul.

2020–2023: Dawn and major collaborations

Yebba's debut studio album, Dawn, was released on September 10, 2021, through RCA Records. The album, named after her late mother, features production primarily by Mark Ronson, with additional contributions from Questlove, KAYTRANADA, and others, blending neo-soul, R&B, and jazz elements across its 12 tracks. Key tracks from Dawn include the introspective "," originally released as a single in 2020 and later included on the , which explores themes of longing and emotional separation, and "," a poignant to her mother's influence as a teacher, released as a single in June 2021 ahead of the 's launch. The received critical acclaim for Yebba's vocal range and emotional depth, earning a nomination for Best Engineered , Non-Classical at the in 2022. During this period, Yebba expanded her profile through high-profile collaborations. She featured on Drake's with the track "Yebba's Heartbreak," released in September 2021, where her soulful ad-libs and harmonies complemented the album's introspective tone. Additionally, her duet "How Much Can a Heart Take" with , from his 2021 EP Table for Two, earned a nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance at the 2022 , highlighting her ability to blend vulnerability with rhythmic precision. To promote Dawn, Yebba embarked on a series of live performances, including a five-song Live at Electric Lady EP released in January 2022, capturing intimate renditions of album tracks recorded at the historic New York studio where much of the project was made. She also joined as an opening act on select dates of his Tour across the in April 2022, performing songs like "Stand," "Boomerang," and "Distance" to enthusiastic audiences in venues such as the in and the in . Following the album's release, Yebba issued live versions of tracks like "" as part of the Electric Lady sessions, maintaining momentum into 2022 with focused performances that emphasized her raw vocal delivery and the personal narratives woven into her music.

2024–present: Sophomore album and recent features

In 2024, Yebba resumed studio work on her sophomore album, following the success of her 2021 debut Dawn, with sessions emphasizing new creative directions. Early 2025 updates highlighted vocal warm-up exercises during March recording sessions, signaling ongoing progress toward the project's completion. Throughout 2024 and 2025, Yebba maintained a steady presence through high-profile collaborations. She contributed vocals to the live version of "Over" on Robert Glasper's album Keys to the City Volume One, released on October 11, 2024, which captured a performance recorded at New York. In February 2025, she featured on "DIE TRYING" from and Drake's collaborative album omeome exy $ongs 4 U, blending soulful harmonies with R&B production. Later that year, on October 24, 2025, Yebba appeared alongside on "Touching God" from Daniel Caesar's Son of Spergy, a track exploring themes of reconciliation and emotional depth. A notable 2025 highlight was Yebba's feature on "Always," the lead single from Tiana Major9's debut album November Scorpio, released on October 21, 2025, ahead of the full project's February 13, 2026, launch. The soulful duet, co-produced by Major9 and Troy Samuel, delves into love and self-discovery, showcasing Yebba's emotive range in harmony with Major9's introspective style. Yebba's live performances during this period included appearances at the Roots Picnic in on June 1, 2024, where she joined for selections like "Yebba's Heartbreak," and the on September 29, 2024. These engagements, alongside her studio output, underscored her evolving role in and circles, building on Dawn's foundation of personal growth and vulnerability.

Artistry

Musical style and influences

Yebba's musical style is characterized by a fusion of soul, R&B, and , often incorporating elements of , pop, and folk to create an emotive and improvisational . Her debut album Dawn exemplifies this blend, featuring orchestral string arrangements alongside and neo- influences, resulting in a rich, retro palette that balances vulnerability with sophistication. Critics have praised this genre-blending approach for its authenticity, noting how it allows Yebba to deliver raw emotional depth through dynamic vocal phrasing and subtle production layers. Her influences draw heavily from gospel roots and iconic soul artists, shaped by her upbringing in where she listened to performers like , , and alongside her father. Yebba has cited as a formative figure, recalling how hearing the singer on the radio as a child sparked her passion for music. Modern inspirations include , whose emotive delivery and genre-mixing Yebba has emulated in covers, as well as broader nods to Black women in music like and for their innovative spirit. These influences contribute to her improvisational style, evident in early raw folk-soul performances that evolved into the polished, collaborative production of Dawn. This genre fusion continued in her 2024 feature on Robert Glasper's album Keys To The City Volume One, blending soulful vocals with alternative jazz elements. Thematically, Yebba's work centers on , , and self-discovery, often inspired by personal experiences that infuse her music with introspective narratives of and resilience. This focus is highlighted in tracks that explore emotional turmoil and growth, praised by reviewers for their conceptual depth and Yebba's ability to weave personal into universally relatable without veering into . Her evolution from unpolished videos showcasing folk-soul intimacy to the album's refined sound underscores a maturation that maintains her core authenticity while expanding her sonic palette.

Vocal technique and songwriting

Yebba's vocal technique draws heavily from traditions, characterized by intricate runs, riffs, and a fluid mastery of that allows for seamless transitions across her impressive range. Her ability to incorporate emotional phrasing—marked by subtle dynamic shifts and breath control—creates intimate, performances that resonate deeply with audiences. This approach is evident in her improvisational style during live settings, where she often ad-libs to heighten vulnerability and authenticity. Her early training, encouraged by her mother, a teacher, laid the foundation for this technique, emphasizing vocal agility and expressive delivery through church-based lessons. Influenced by Aretha Franklin's emotive power, which she encountered as a child via radio broadcasts, Yebba honed a style blending technical precision with raw feeling. Post-2021, her live sessions, such as the Tiny Desk Concert, reveal an evolution in her vocals, with increased use of layered harmonies and intensified gospel-infused runs that amplify thematic depth. In songwriting, Yebba favors autobiographical narratives that explore themes of vulnerability, grief, and personal healing, often channeling her experiences of loss into introspective lyrics. Her process involves close collaboration, as seen in her work with producer Mark Ronson on tracks like "Distance," where she contributes melodic ideas and lyrical refinements to shape the emotional core. On her debut album Dawn, Yebba holds co-writing credits on multiple songs, including "Louie Bag" (with Smino, Q-Tip, and James Francies) and others, actively participating in production to ensure the music reflects her intimate storytelling.

Personal life

Family and loss

Yebba's mother, Dawn, a high school , died by in late 2016, just weeks after Yebba's viral performance of her original song "My Mind" at a event in New York. This tragedy occurred as Yebba's music career was beginning to gain traction, profoundly impacting her emotionally and halting her momentum; she returned to her hometown of , to grieve and process the loss. Yebba's father, a who plays the organ and led the local church where she grew up , provided foundational support for her musical development, encouraging her to continue as a worship leader even when she considered quitting. Following her mother's death, her dynamics shifted, with her father remaining a key figure in her life amid the grief; limited public details exist on siblings, but her upbringing in a preacher's emphasized and as cornerstones. Her father's influence extended to her early career steps, as he had instilled a sense of purpose in her from childhood. The family supported Yebba's relocation to New York shortly after the loss, where she initially aimed to work as a background vocalist while navigating her sorrow; this move marked a pivotal transition, backed by the musical encouragement rooted in her home environment. In a 2021 interview, Yebba openly discussed the overwhelming grief, describing periods of panic and frustration that permeated her early professional years, and how the loss reshaped her perspective on creating music. Reflections on this family tragedy continue in her work, including her 2021 debut album Dawn, named after her mother, which explores the enduring emotional weight of the event without resolving it. Post-2021, Yebba has shared in interviews that the grief remains an integral part of her family narrative, influencing her ongoing personal growth while honoring her mother's legacy through subtle, reflective mentions rather than exhaustive recounting.

Identity and mental health

Yebba has been open about the profound impact of her mother's in 2016 on her , describing it as a pivotal moment that halted her rising career and forced her to confront deep grief. In interviews, she has shared how the loss triggered intense emotional struggles, leading her to prioritize healing over professional commitments, including delaying the release of her debut Dawn to focus on her . became a primary outlet for processing this grief, with Yebba explaining that songwriting allowed her to honor her mother's memory while navigating the raw pain of bereavement. As an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness, Yebba has used her platform to discuss the importance of seeking support and destigmatizing conversations around and emotional vulnerability. In a 2021 profile, she emphasized channeling personal loss into creative expression as a form of resilience, while supporting organizations like Bring Change to Mind that promote resources. Her album Dawn, named after her mother, serves as a testament to this advocacy, blending themes of mourning and recovery to encourage listeners facing similar challenges. Yebba maintains a private stance on her romantic life, rarely sharing details about partners in public forums. However, her songwriting often alludes to relational dynamics and heartbreak without specifics, as seen in tracks like "Love Came Down" from Dawn, which explores romantic deliverance amid personal turmoil. In recent years, Yebba has reflected on her ongoing personal growth through evolving artistic output, though she offers limited public statements on the topic as of 2025.

Discography

Studio albums

Yebba's debut studio album, Dawn, was released on September 10, 2021, through , a division of Entertainment. The project, dedicated to her late mother, spans 11 tracks that explore themes of , , and resilience through a fusion of neo-soul, R&B, and influences. Notable collaborations include A$AP Rocky on "Far Away" and on "Louie Bag," with production led by and . The full tracklist is as follows:
No.TitleFeatured artistLength
1"How Many Years"3:07
2"Stand"5:19
3"Boomerang"2:49
4"All I Ever Wanted"3:23
5"Far Away"A$AP Rocky3:19
6"Dawn"0:34
7""3:14
8"Louie Bag"3:04
9"Love Is Stronger Than Pride"4:11
10"One More Time"3:32
11"Paranoia Purple"3:55
Dawn debuted at number six on the Heatseekers Albums chart, reflecting its breakthrough status among emerging artists. Yebba's sophomore studio album remains forthcoming, with recording sessions teased throughout 2024 and into 2025, though no release date or title has been confirmed as of November 2025.

Singles

Yebba's debut single as a lead artist, "Evergreen", was released on October 27, 2017, through the independent label Platoon. The soulful track, written as a tribute to her late mother, marked her introduction to a wider audience and was later included on her 2021 debut album Dawn. In 2021, Yebba released "October Sky" as the lead single from Dawn on June 11, through . The introspective folk-soul song reflects on personal loss and memory, showcasing her in a minimalist . As a featured artist, Yebba collaborated with on "How Much a Heart Can Take", released February 12, 2021, via Keep Cool/ as part of Daye's EP Table for Two. The duet blends R&B harmonies and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance in 2022. In 2025, Yebba featured on Tiana Major9's single "Always", released October 21 through Motown Records, serving as the third single from Major9's debut album November Scorpio. The track explores themes of enduring love with layered soul vocals from both artists.
YearTitleArtist(s)RoleRelease DateLabel
2017"Evergreen"YebbaLeadOctober 27, 2017Platoon
2021"October Sky"YebbaLeadJune 11, 2021RCA Records
2021"How Much a Heart Can Take"Lucky Daye feat. YebbaFeaturedFebruary 12, 2021Keep Cool/RCA Records
2025"Always"Tiana Major9 feat. YebbaFeaturedOctober 21, 2025Motown Records

Other appearances

Yebba has contributed backing and featured vocals to several high-profile projects, beginning with her early involvement in hip-hop and R&B circles. In 2016, she provided background vocals on Chance the Rapper's "Same Drugs" from the mixtape , a collaboration that earned a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album in 2017. Her performance alongside Chance on that year further highlighted her vocal prowess, with Chance publicly praising her arrangement and delivery during the live rendition. In 2017, Yebba supported Ed Sheeran as an opening act on select dates of his ÷ Tour, performing her original material to large audiences. That same year, she featured on Sam Smith's "No Peace" from the album The Thrill of It All, delivering harmonious duet vocals that complemented Smith's introspective style. Her collaboration with Sheeran continued into 2019 with the duet "Best Part of Me" on No.6 Collaborations Project, which peaked at number 58 on the UK Singles Chart and earned gold certification in the UK by 2024; the track was accompanied by a live performance video recorded at Abbey Road Studios. Yebba's guest appearances expanded in the 2020s, including her featured verse on Drake's "Yebba's Heartbreak" from (2021), a soulful interlude that charted at number 24 on the and showcased her emotional range. She also contributed to jazz-fusion projects, notably featuring on Robert Glasper's "Over" from (2022), which won a Grammy for Best R&B Album, and a re-recorded live version on Keys to the City Volume One (2024), nominated for Best Alternative Jazz Album at the 2026 Grammys. In live and session contexts, Yebba participated in intimate recordings at Electric Lady Studios, releasing her own Live at Electric Lady EP in 2022, which reimagined tracks from her debut album Dawn with a full band. Recent features include her vocals on "Touching God" with Blood Orange from Daniel Caesar's Son of Spergy (2025), a gospel-infused track blending R&B and alternative elements. She also appeared on Aminé's 13 Months of Sunshine (2025), co-writing and providing featured vocals on multiple cuts, including the introspective "Roadtrip." Additional 2025 contributions encompass "Die Trying" on PartyNextDoor's omeome exy $ongs 4 U and "Always" with Tiana Major9 on November Scorpio, emphasizing her role in contemporary R&B ensembles. While primarily known for vocal performances, Yebba holds songwriting credits on select tracks without lead or backing vocals, such as co-writing contributions to Mark Ronson's Late Night Feelings (2019), where her lyrical input shaped songs like "Don't Leave Me Lonely" alongside her featured appearance. These non-vocal roles underscore her broader creative influence in the industry.

Awards and nominations

Grammy Awards

Yebba has received multiple Grammy Award nominations and secured two wins, recognizing her contributions to R&B and collaborative projects. Her achievements span traditional R&B performances, engineering excellence, and innovative arrangements, often highlighting her emotive vocal style in ensemble works.

Wins

Yebba's first Grammy came at the in 2019, where she shared the win for Best Traditional R&B Performance with for their cover of "How Deep Is Your Love." The track, a soulful reinterpretation of the classic, tied with Ledisi's "Anything for You," marking a rare split in the category. During the acceptance speech at the Staples Center in , Morton and Yebba expressed gratitude to their families and creative teams, emphasizing the song's roots in personal vulnerability and musical collaboration. Her second win occurred at the 67th Annual on February 2, 2025, for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella on "" from Jacob Collier's . The arrangement featured Yebba's soaring vocals alongside Collier, , and , reimagining Simon & Garfunkel's 1970 standard with layered harmonies and inflections. Accepting the award backstage, Collier specifically thanked Yebba for her foundational vocal inspiration, drawn from an early video of her performing the song, underscoring themes of resilience and communal healing in the project.

Nominations

Yebba earned her initial nomination at the in 2021 for Best Traditional R&B Performance with "Distance," a poignant track from her debut project Dawn that explores themes of longing and separation. The song was one of five nominees in the category, ultimately going to . At the in 2022, she received two nominations: Best Traditional R&B Performance for "How Much Can a Heart Take" (featuring ), a duet showcasing her dynamic interplay with Daye's baritone, and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical for Dawn, produced by and others, which highlighted the album's meticulous sonic craftsmanship. Neither nomination resulted in a win, with the performance category awarded to The Baylor Project. Looking ahead, Yebba is nominated at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards in 2026 for Best Alternative Jazz Album on Robert Glasper's Keys to the City Volume One, where she contributes vocals to the track "Reflections," blending jazz improvisation with R&B introspection. Nominations were announced in November 2025.
Year (Ceremony)CategoryWorkResult
2019 (61st)Best Traditional R&B Performance"How Deep Is Your Love" (with PJ Morton)Won
2021 (63rd)Best Traditional R&B Performance"Distance"Nominated
2022 (64th)Best Traditional R&B Performance"How Much Can a Heart Take" (with Lucky Daye)Nominated
2022 (64th)Best Engineered Album, Non-ClassicalDawnNominated
2025 (67th)Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella"Bridge Over Troubled Water" (with Jacob Collier, Tori Kelly, John Legend)Won
2026 (68th)Best Alternative Jazz AlbumKeys to the City Volume One (with Robert Glasper)Nominated

Other awards

In 2018, Yebba co-wrote "Keep Reachin'" for the documentary Quincy on , earning the Hollywood Music in Media Award for Best Original Song in a alongside and ; the song was performed by and . Cultural honors include her 2021 NPR Tiny Desk (Home) Concert, which showcased reworked tracks from her debut album Dawn and garnered widespread acclaim for her vocal range and emotional depth, solidifying her status in contemporary .

References

  1. https://wbssmedia.com/artists/detail/4197
  2. https://www.last.fm/music/Yebba/%2Bwiki
  3. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/05/arts/music/yebba-dawn.html
  4. https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCO3bJF9SaPGN_62So_a5vkA
  5. https://www.glamour.com/story/get-to-know-yebba
  6. https://www.grammy.com/artists/yebba/243615
  7. https://www.pulserecordings.com/tag/how-deep-is-your-love/
  8. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOFH0V-gSoR/
  9. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/yebba-mn0003677987
  10. https://www.npr.org/2021/09/16/1037782162/with-the-new-album-dawn-yebba-sheds-old-beliefs
  11. https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/yebba-debut-album-dawn-interview-9620682/
  12. https://cdn-p.smehost.net/sites/8e1f40b762984a27a20f577d99b7ac97/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/YEBBA-DAWN-bio-June-2021-final.pdf
  13. https://arktimes.com/rock-candy/2021/09/07/its-yebbas-week-year
  14. https://www.hercampus.com/school/unt/why-yebba-is-one-of-the-best-musicians-of-our-time/
  15. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXwE1G7_U9M
  16. https://www.hitsdailydouble.com/news/yebba-a-voice-you-didnt-lessbrgreaterknow-you-needed
  17. https://www.concertarchives.org/concerts/ed-sheeran-a65dbc27-6e22-4ea7-b7ee-72e9c056b38f
  18. https://genius.com/albums/Sam-smith/The-thrill-of-it-all
  19. https://music.apple.com/us/album/evergreen-single/1298084292
  20. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/yebba-evergreen-grammy-nominee-song-you-need-to-know-782464/
  21. https://www.thethings.com/yebba-drake-sam-smith-ed-sheeran-chance-the-rapper-collaborations/
  22. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/yebba
  23. https://www.sonymusic.ca/press_release/yebba-releases-debut-studio-album-dawn-via-rca-records
  24. https://genius.com/albums/Yebba/Dawn
  25. https://electricladystudios.com/yebba-releases-new-album-dawn-recorded-and-mixed-at-electric-lady/
  26. https://music.apple.com/us/album/october-sky-single/1570494123
  27. https://open.spotify.com/track/1SsUx7lHTfuiSSB1KfRMdE
  28. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU2g5gT3myA
  29. https://open.spotify.com/track/7tm3zLZSI0OnvFtomZwhHk
  30. https://grammy.com/news/2022-grammys-complete-winners-nominees-nominations-list
  31. https://jambands.com/news/2022/01/27/yebba-releases-live-at-electric-lady-session-on-spotify/
  32. https://www.ticketmaster.com/yebba-tickets/artist/2855092
  33. https://open.spotify.com/track/6Ju7Pdj6vA9QwyBWXMJFRQ
  34. https://www.instagram.com/p/DG1RbWyPYwX/
  35. https://music.apple.com/us/song/die-trying/1796127376
  36. https://ratedrnb.com/2025/10/daniel-caesar-son-of-spergy-album-review/
  37. https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/tiana-major9-announces-debut-album-november-scorpio
  38. https://www.clashmusic.com/news/tiana-major9-announces-debut-album-november-scorpio/
  39. https://writtenrecordsblog.wordpress.com/2020/07/14/yebba-distance-and-where-do-you-go/
  40. https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/art-books-music/a37513708/yebba-dawn-album-interview/
  41. https://www.newyorker.com/culture/listening-booth/yebbas-powerful-blues-on-dawn
  42. https://www.theelementmagazine.com/post/the-impact-discography-of-yebba
  43. https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/yebba-thanks-black-women-in-music-1234628515/
  44. https://www.allmusic.com/album/keys-to-the-city-vol-1-mw0004404216
  45. https://j-herring.medium.com/dawn-by-yebba-album-review-7338f5972bbd
  46. https://atwoodmagazine.com/yd-yebba-dawn-album-review/
  47. https://ktswblog.net/2023/05/05/yebbas-dawn/
  48. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBMGvHHkr9Y
  49. https://relix.com/articles/detail/yebba-daughter-of-a-preacher-man/
  50. https://bookingagentinfo.com/celebrity/yebba/philanthropy/
  51. https://www.instagram.com/p/DOb6ks-D8uO/
  52. https://www.discogs.com/release/12056538-Yebba-Evergreen
  53. https://www.npr.org/sections/now-playing/2021/07/15/1016590953/yebba-october-sky
  54. https://ratedrnb.com/2025/11/tiana-major9-announces-debut-album-november-scorpio-shares-always-yebba/
  55. https://x.com/chancetherapper/status/810974963524112384
  56. https://www.facebook.com/YebbaSmith/videos/an-honor-to-open-for-mr-ed-sheeran-last-night-singing-my-original-where-do-you-g/635123780030116/
  57. https://open.spotify.com/track/36XVUuWObkWq0RjbCnGHPC
  58. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCz_oz1v7PQ/
  59. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/yebba/1289015994
  60. https://open.spotify.com/track/07vCZWjQXstwOCWLG6HYdg
  61. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQx5udJDJYI/
  62. https://electricladystudios.com/yebba-live-at-electric-lady/
  63. https://genius.com/albums/Amine/13-months-of-sunshine
  64. https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/yebba/credits/
  65. https://www.grammy.com/news/2019-61st-annual-grammy-awards-nominations-complete-nominees-and-winners-list
  66. https://www.grammy.com/videos/jacob-collier-tori-kelly-backstage-interview-2025-grammys
  67. https://www.grammy.com/videos/jacob-collier-tori-kelly-2025-grammys-red-carpet-interview
  68. https://www.grammy.com/news/2021-grammys-complete-winners-nominees-list
  69. https://www.npr.org/2021/03/14/977035882/2021-grammy-awards-the-full-list-of-winners
  70. https://www.grammy.com/news/2022-grammys-complete-winners-nominees-nominations-list
  71. https://variety.com/2021/music/news/grammy-nominations-complete-awards-2022-1235117920/
  72. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/hollywood-music-media-awards-winners-2018-1153411/
  73. https://www.npr.org/2021/09/08/1032814602/yebba-tiny-desk-home-concert
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