Some of my favourite somewhat unknown artists pt2.

Ibeyi

French-Cuban twin sisters who sing in both English and the Nigerian language of Yoruba. They have only one album so far but it is definitely worth a listen.
It deals with the loss of their sister and father and has touches of Jazz, Electronic and Afro-Cuban music.
I believe they could go on to make some great albums seeing how impressive their debut is.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHRAPIwsS5I

Kishi Bashi

Seattle born artist who I have only recently become aware of.
Some of his songs have been used in major adverts but he still seems to be under the radar despite his huge talent.
I would describe him as experimental pop artist and a talented violin player.
His songs are on the whole very upbeat and very well produced with great songwriting and instrumentation throughout.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBctONb102o

Tim Maia

An absolute legend in Brazil and rightly so. Tim Maia fused Soul, Funk, Bossa Nova and Disco into some of the funkiest music I have come across.
Tim had an interesting, and often, turbulent personal life. Having been arrested and deported from the USA as well as missing many concerts due to what he called his pre-concert 'Triathlon' of Whiskey, Cocaine and Weed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwUGJXm02ZQ

Rökkurró

One of the many talented Icelandic bands currently around. Like many Icelandic bands they have a very otherworldly, ethereal sound with haunting and beautiful vocals. All the songs are sung in Icelandic which adds to the atmosphere of their albums.
I would say anyone who is a fan of Sigur Ros or Mum would most likely be a fan of this band.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOOb6fSvlnM

Mirel Wagner

Born in Ethiopia and raised in Finland, Mirel is a singer songwriter who performs folk music. She is still early into her career but I think very talented.
Often straightforward lyrics accompanied by simple music she manages to create very dark and at times incredibly depressing songs.
Certainly an artist to listen to when in the right mood but she has undeniable talent and I look forward to her future releases.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYtvkoqTnSs

Tenniscoats

A Japanese duo made up of Saya and Takeshi Ueno. Saya herself describes them as 'Avant Pop' and they have a diverse selection of styles and influences.
One of my favourite bands to listen to when in a good mood as they have a very childlike sound and use some interesting instruments.
Songs are sung in Japanese and this, mixed with their experimental sound, makes them a very pleasing band to listen to.
Definitely not one for everyone but I think they are a very enjoyable listen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2rtqVma_Ww

Fat Jon

Also known as Fat Jon the Ample Soul Physician he is a hip-hop producer from the USA.
Known mainly for his work with Five Deez and also for the soundtrack to Samurai Champloo he has a similar sound to Nujabes in many ways.
Definitely one to listen to if you are a fan of J Dilla/Nujabes style hip-hop.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYb_BsQRkrQ

Max Romeo

Although a legend of Reggae, too many people are only really aware of Bob Marley but Max Romeo deserves to be held in a similar regard.
His song Chase the Devil is most well known due to being sampled by The Prodigy. His album 'War Inna Babylon' (from which Chase the Devil features) is one of the all time great reggae albums in my opinion.
His style is very much roots reggae with some political undertones to many of his lyrics.
He is in my view, one of the most important artists to come out of Jamaica.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcMNfX5yh28

Burial

Burial (real name William Bevan) is a very well known Electronic artist from South London but I am not sure how much exposure he has outside of the UK.
To be honest I am not all that up to speed on his career but have added him here as his self titled debut album is a classic as well as his similarly impressive follow up 'Untrue'.
His sound is very raw and distorted but I find it truly relaxing. His percussive arrangements are at times beautiful to listen to and he is supremely talented in adding vocals into his songs.
Anyone into the Electronic genre who hasn't heard of Burial (admittedly probably not many of you) need to listen to his albums.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7hBUL9kk1Y

Pete Philly & Perquisite

A Dutch hip-hop duo composed of Pete Monzon (the MC) and Pieter Aruba (cellist, producer and composer). Their style is definitely influenced by Jazz and soul and I think is very creative.
Unfortunately they were only active for a few years together but in this time made two great albums (and one remixed album and a live album).
Any fans of hip-hop should give them a listen but I also think their appeal could go beyond just hip-hop fans.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-SCdjs81_E

If you like this list then feel free to look at my previous list.
http://imgur.com/gallery/uCoRW