Laura Mvula
The comparison to Nina Simone has followed British singer Laura Mvula since her debut, and for good reason. Like Simone, Mvula is a classically trained musician who blends jazz, soul, and orchestral elements into something entirely her own. In a 2016
BBC documentary, Mvula explored Simone's influence, acknowledging the deep connection she felt to the icon's work. Her music, particularly in its rich arrangements and passionate vocal delivery, carries the torch of Simone’s sophisticated, genre-fluid approach to soul music.
Hozier
Irish songwriter Hozier channels Simone's spirit of protest. His breakout hit, "Take Me to Church," was a powerful critique of organized religion's hypocrisy, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ rights. He explicitly paid tribute to Simone's legacy of activism in his song "Nina Cried Power," which features Mavis Staples. Fusing folk, blues, and gospel, Hozier uses his platform to tackle social and political issues, from reproductive rights to the destruction of indigenous cultures, embodying the activist fire that defined much of Simone's later work.
Fiona Apple
Fiona Apple’s career is a masterclass in the uncompromising artistic integrity that Simone championed. Known for her percussive piano style and brutally honest lyrics, Apple has consistently defied industry expectations. Her work confronts trauma, sexism, and emotional turmoil with a raw vulnerability that feels intensely personal yet universally resonant. Like Simone, Apple's music is an unfiltered expression of her inner world, refusing to be silenced or softened for mass appeal, a quality that makes her a true heir to Simone's rebellious spirit.
Benjamin Clementine
Often directly compared to Simone, British artist Benjamin Clementine is a self-taught pianist and vocalist with a theatrical, poetic style. His music is dramatic and sprawling, blending soulful vocals with hypnotic piano and minimalist arrangements. He cites Simone as a key hero, and you can hear her influence in his passionate delivery and the sense of grandeur in his compositions. Clementine’s journey from busking in Paris to critical acclaim mirrors Simone's own story of creating a singular artistic path against all odds.
Brittany Howard
As the frontwoman for Alabama Shakes and in her solo work, Brittany Howard possesses a powerhouse voice that recalls the raw, emotional force of Simone. Her sound is a dynamic fusion of roots rock, soul, and blues, often shifting from a gentle croon to a scorching belt within a single song. Howard’s music explores love, trauma, and identity with a Southern grit and an open heart, channeling the kind of cathartic, soul-baring performance that made Simone’s live shows legendary.
Moses Sumney
Moses Sumney is the embodiment of Simone’s refusal to be categorized. The Ghanaian-American artist creates a sound that is a fluid amalgamation of soul, jazz, experimental rock, and classical elements, resisting any easy label. With a celestial falsetto and a focus on self-sufficiency in his production, Sumney builds entire sonic worlds that are complex and otherworldly. This fierce independence and dedication to defying genre conventions place him firmly in the tradition of Simone, who always insisted on defining her music on her own terms.
FKA Twigs
A true multidisciplinary artist, FKA Twigs pushes boundaries in music, dance, and performance art, much like Simone commanded her stage. Her work is a study in vulnerability and strength, often exploring themes of healing and the body through a blend of electronic music, R&B, and avant-garde visuals. The way she uses her physicality to convey raw emotion in live performances—creating a commanding, almost hypnotic experience—is deeply reminiscent of Simone's ability to hold an audience completely captivated.
