Skye Newman Begins Record-Breaking Brixton Academy Run
Pop star Skye Newman began a five-gig run at Brixton Academy on Thursday, setting a record for a British female solo artist at the south London venue, bbc.com reported.
The BBC Sound of 2026 winner overtakes rapper Little Simz, who headlined three nights at the venue in 2021. The milestone caps a rapid rise for the 23-year-old Brit Award nominee, who performed at Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Sunderland last month.
“It’s crazy. My jaw drops all the time. I feel honoured to be the first woman, and I don’t take it lightly,” Newman told bbc.com of the achievement, adding that the booking gave her goosebumps and chills.
Newman achieves chart success with soul and R&B singles
Born in south-east London, Newman emerged last year when her debut single, Hairdresser, entered the top 20. Her follow-up track, Family Matters, reached number five in June, the first time a female artist made the top 20 with their first two singles since Ella Henderson in 2014.
The soul and R&B singer has previously supported Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi on tour. Sir Elton John has called her incredibly talented and something else.
Newman insists on featuring an all-female band on stage. “Women are the centre of my world,” she told bbc.com. “They’re the people that built me. They allowed me space to grow and find myself. So, I definitely had to take that out on stage with me.”
Newman completes Brixton residency and joins Harry Styles in Australia
Newman recently performed a rendition of Amy Winehouse’s song Addicted during a special Back to Black anniversary gig for the BBC at Brixton Academy. “The thing with Amy’s music is so incredible that you don’t want to touch it,” she told bbc.com.
Following three more gigs this weekend and an added date next week, Newman will complete her record-breaking residency. Next month, she travels to Australia to join Harry Styles for a series of support slots.
“Whatever I’ve got, cancel it,” she joked to her team upon receiving the request, recalling her childhood fandom for One Direction.
Questions about Skye Newman's Brixton Academy run
When did Skye Newman’s Brixton Academy run begin?
The five-gig run began on Thursday.
Which artist previously held the headlining record at Brixton Academy?
Rapper Little Simz previously held the record after headlining three nights at the venue in 2021.
Which song did Newman perform for the BBC’s Back to Black anniversary gig?
She performed a rendition of Amy Winehouse’s song Addicted.
Who is Newman joining for upcoming support slots in Australia?
She is joining Harry Styles for a series of dates next month.
Keep reading