Lola Young

Lola Young (Lola Emily Mary Young, born January 4, 2001, in London) is a soul-pop singer and songwriter who gained international attention with the hit “Messy” in May 2024. She grew up in South London with a Jamaican-Chinese father and an English mother, began writing songs at the age of 11, and later attended the prestigious BRIT School in Croydon.

Her debut album, My Mind Wanders and Sometimes Leaves Completely (2023), laid the foundation for the follow-up This Wasn’t Meant for You Anyway (June 2024), released on Island Records. The album features the single “Messy,” which became Lola’s first chart-topper in multiple countries—including the UK, Australia, Ireland, and Norway—and peaked at No. 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The track also broke streaming records with over 500 million plays on Spotify.

“Messy” was quickly embraced as an unofficial ADHD anthem, with Lola describing it as raw, honest, and shaped by her inner conflicts and personal experiences in relationships. Critics have praised her for her powerful vocals and vivid storytelling.

Lola Young’s live performances are as captivating as her recordings. Her sold-out concert at the Forum in North London showcased her versatility across genres like punky ska and jazz-funk, earning acclaim for authenticity and emotional strength.

In addition to her solo work, she appeared on Tyler, The Creator’s 2024 track “Like Him” from the album Chromakopia, further showcasing her musical range.

Lola was recognized early for her talent, winning Open Mic UK in 2015 and making the BBC Sound of 2022 shortlist. In 2025, she received three Ivor Novello Award nominations: Best Album (This Wasn’t Meant for You Anyway), Best Song Musically and Lyrically (“Messy”), and Rising Star—marking her rapid rise in the British songwriting scene.

Lola Young’s music is both unfiltered and universal—confessional lyrics and dynamic soul-pop that pulse with honesty and youthful intensity. She is more than a breakthrough act; she is a clear voice for her generation, carrying both emotion and style that resonate widely.