Yebba

Biography

Abigail Elizabeth Smith, known professionally as Yebba, is an American singer and songwriter born on January 16, 1995, in West Memphis, Arkansas. Raised in a religious household, she grew up singing in her father's church, where he was a pastor, which heavily influenced her musical style with gospel sounds. Her stage name, Yebba, is her first name "Abbey" spelled backwards and is a tribute to her mother.

Career Beginnings

Yebba's career gained significant momentum after her 2016 performance of her original song "My Mind" at a Sofar Sounds show in New York went viral on YouTube. This performance captured the attention of both the public and established artists. Shortly after this breakthrough, her mother, Dawn, tragically died by suicide. This profound loss deeply impacted Yebba's life and music. In tribute, she began using her childhood nickname "Yebba" professionally. Her debut single, "Evergreen," was released in 2017.

Collaborations and Breakthrough

Yebba has collaborated with a wide range of prominent artists. She was a backing vocalist for Chance the Rapper on "Saturday Night Live" in 2016. Her collaborations include working with Sam Smith on "No Peace," PJ Morton on the Grammy-winning "How Deep Is Your Love," and Mark Ronson on his album "Late Night Feelings." She has also worked with Ed Sheeran on "Best Part of Me," Drake on "Yebba's Heartbreak," and A$AP Rocky.

Debut Album: Dawn

Yebba released her debut studio album, "Dawn," on September 10, 2021, via RCA Records. The album is named after her late mother and explores themes of loss, grief, and healing. Produced by Mark Ronson, the album received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and genre-blending sound, which incorporates soul, R&B, and pop. The single "Distance" from the album earned a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance.

Awards and Recognition

In 2019, Yebba won her first Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance for her collaboration with PJ Morton on "How Deep Is Your Love." Her single "Distance" was nominated for a Grammy in 2021.