Nao (singer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nao
Nao in 2018
Background information
Birth name	Neo Jessica Joshua
Born	(1987-12-22) 22 December 1987 (age 37) Nottingham, England
Genres	Soul R&B avant- R&B avant-soul electronic funk
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter record producer
Instruments	Vocals piano synthesizer
Years active	2014–present
Labels	Little Tokyo Recordings RCA
Associated acts	Jai Paul A.K. Paul Kwes. Grades Mura Masa

Neo Jessica Joshua (born on December 20, 1987), known as Nao (pronounced "NAY-oh"), is a talented English singer, songwriter, and music producer from East London. Her music mixes soul, electronic music, funk, and R&B. Nao even calls her unique sound "wonky funk". She has released several albums, including For All We Know in 2016, Saturn in 2018, and And Then Life Was Beautiful in 2021. Her most recent album, Jupiter, came out in 2025.

Nao's Early Life and Musical Journey

Nao grew up in both London and Nottingham. She is the youngest of five children in her mother's family. Her song "Another Lifetime" is a special tribute to her mother. Nao's family background includes Jamaican, Vincentian, and Grenadinian roots.

She studied vocal jazz at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London. Before becoming a solo artist, Nao sang backup for other musicians like Kwabs and Jarvis Cocker. For six years, until 2014, she was part of an all-girl singing group called The Boxettes, which performed without instruments (a cappella).

Nao's Music Career Highlights

Nao started her solo career in October 2014 with her first collection of songs, called an EP, titled So Good. This EP quickly became popular, reaching number 4 on the iTunes electronic music chart. The main song from the EP was played on major radio stations in the United Kingdom.

She followed up with another EP, 15 February (II MMXV), in May 2015. This EP was praised by the music website Pitchfork. In September 2015, Nao was nominated for "Best Newcomer" at the MOBO Awards, which celebrate music of Black origin.

Nao also sang on "Superego," a song from Disclosure's album Caracal, which was a number 1 album in the UK. In 2016, she was recognized by the BBC as one of the top new artists to watch. She also helped write a song for Stormzy's first album, Gang Signs & Prayer.

First Album Success

Nao's first full album, For All We Know, was released on July 29, 2016. This album was a big success and earned her a nomination for "Best British Female Solo Artist" at the Brit Awards.

Second Album and More Recognition

In 2017, Nao released a new song called "Nostalgia." She told her fans that she was working on her second album. She also helped write a song called "Nothing Else!" for Mura Masa's first album.

In June 2018, she released "Another Lifetime," a song she wrote and produced with Grades and Stint. She also performed live with the famous band Chic and Mura Masa on their song "Boogie All Night."

Her second album, Saturn, was released on October 26, 2018. This album was nominated for "Album of the Year" at the Mercury Prize in 2019 and for "Best Urban Contemporary Album" at the 62nd Grammy Awards in 2020.

Recent Albums

On July 29, 2021, Nao shared details about her third album, And Then Life Was Beautiful, which came out on September 24, 2021. Her album Jupiter was released on February 21, 2025.

Nao's Personal Life

Nao shared exciting news on January 15, 2020, that she was going to have her first child. She gave birth to a baby girl on June 11, 2020. In 2021, Nao announced that she would not be touring for her third album due to health reasons.

Nao's Music Releases

Nao has released several studio albums, extended plays (EPs), and singles throughout her career.

Studio Albums

Extended Plays (EPs)

Singles

Promotional Singles

As Featured Artist

Guest Appearances

Nao has also appeared as a guest vocalist on other artists' songs.

Songwriting Credits

Nao has also helped write songs for other famous artists.

Awards and Nominations

Nao has received several awards and nominations for her music.