South London singer Raye wins six gongs at Brit Awards

The 26-year-old, whose real name is Rachel Keen, snapped up awards for album and artist of the year, best new artist and song of the year with her hit Escapism.

Raye was also named songwriter of the year prior to the ceremony, and won the R&B act category following a public vote on Instagram.

Raye’s victories come in the wake of her remarkable performance at last year’s Glastonbury and a Mercury Prize nomination for her album 'My 21st Century Blues'.

READ MORE: Who is RAYE? Singer-songwriter who made BRIT Awards history

The Croydon star’s journey started at an early age as she secured a record deal with Polydor Records as a teenager.

Despite lending her voice to top five hits by David Guetta and Jax Jones, and having written lyrics for A-list celebrities like Beyonce and Rihanna, her solo career was slower to launch due to record label constraints.

Reflecting on her initial struggles, Raye shared her experiences on X, saying: "Imagine this pain.

"I have been signed to a major label since 2014… and I have had albums on albums of music sat in folders collecting dust, songs I am now giving away to A list artists because I am still awaiting confirmation that I am good enough to release an album."

She got awards for best song, best artist, best album as well as winning the new R&B category (Image: James Manning/PA Wire)

Striking out as an independent artist by the end of 2022, Raye’s dance track Escapism quickly went viral, leading her debut studio album, My 21st Century Blues, to peak at number two on the charts.

Raye’s roots in South London played an fundamental role in her formative years.

The singer-songwriter was born in Tooting but moved to Croydon when she was still a child.

She went to Woodcote High School and attended church with her family in the area.

Raye described Croydon as a "really great place to grow up".

In an interview with F Word magazine, she said: "[It is] very down to earth, very multi-cultured, very fun, really great.

"I grew up in the church as well, so I go to church every Sunday with the family.

"That’s where I learnt how to sing and understand my love for music."

READ MORE: BRIT Awards 2024: Emotional Raye calls nominations 'miracle'

The south Londoner's success at the Brit Awards marks a historical moment for British pop music, with her winning the most awards by an artist in a single year.

Reflecting on the industry, Raye said: "It is a fantastic time to be a female artist.

"Instead of being insecure about each other, we’re in awe of each other.

"What Taylor Swift has done by re-recording her albums is so inspiring.

"That’s a ton of hard work to get her rights back.

"Music contracts can be brutal and they are never in favour of the creatives."