British singer-songwriter RAYE has grown from behind-the-scenes hitmaker into one of the most celebrated solo artists in British music. Born Rachel Agatha Keen in Tooting, London, she first found fame writing songs for global stars before her own single “Escapism.” climbed to number one in the UK and announced her as a star in her own right.
Her road to the top was anything but smooth. After signing a major-label deal as a teenager, RAYE publicly broke away from Polydor in 2021, went independent, and rebuilt her career on her own terms — a gamble that paid off with a record-breaking night at the BRIT Awards and a UK number-one album. This biography covers her age, real name, career milestones, biggest songs and the latest facts from 2026.
Biography Details
Real Name: Rachel Agatha Keen
Born: 24 October 1997 (age 28)
Birthplace: Tooting, London, England
Occupation: Singer, songwriter
Years Active: 2014–present
Labels: Polydor (2014–2021); independent via Human Re Sources (2021–present)
Official Website: youtube.com/@RAYEofficial
Early Life
Rachel Agatha Keen was born on 24 October 1997 in Tooting, south London, and raised in nearby Croydon. Her mother is of Ghanaian-Swiss heritage and her father is English. She is the eldest of four sisters — she has three younger siblings. Music was part of her life from childhood: she briefly attended the BRIT School, London’s famous performing-arts school, but left at 16 to focus on her music career.
Breakthrough and Polydor Exit
Before her solo breakthrough, RAYE built a reputation as a songwriter for some of the biggest names in music. Her writing credits include “Bigger” for Beyoncé, “After the Afterparty” for Charli XCX, and songs for John Legend, Ellie Goulding and Little Mix. She also lent guest vocals to a string of dance hits, including Jonas Blue’s “By Your Side” (2016), Jax Jones’s “You Don’t Know Me” (2016) and Regard’s “Secrets” (2020).
She signed with Polydor Records at 17, but the relationship soured. In July 2021 she publicly called out the label for withholding her debut album and parted ways with Polydor, choosing to go independent with distribution through Human Re Sources — a bold move that put her creative future back in her own hands.
My 21st Century Blues
RAYE’s debut studio album, My 21st Century Blues, arrived on 3 February 2023 as an independent release. It peaked at number two on the UK Albums Chart and earned nominations for the Mercury Prize and MOBO Album of the Year.
The album’s breakout single, “Escapism.” featuring 070 Shake, became her first UK number one in January 2023 and her first entry on the US Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at number 22 — proof that her independent gamble had paid off.
BRIT Awards Record
At the 2024 BRIT Awards, RAYE made history by winning six awards in a single night — the most any artist has ever taken home at one ceremony — including the prestigious Album of the Year. The record-breaking haul cemented her status as the defining British artist of her generation.
2026 Activity
RAYE’s second studio album, THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE., was released in March 2026 and debuted at number one in the UK. Its single “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” (2025) had already topped the UK Singles Chart the year before.
The album also landed on the Mercury Prize 2026 shortlist as one of 12 Albums of the Year. The ceremony takes place on Thursday 22 October 2026 at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, with RAYE confirmed to perform on the night.
She then announced RAYE’s Royal Albert Hall symphonic show, titled “THIS SYMPHONY MAY CONTAIN HOPE.”, for Friday 23 October 2026. The one-off concert features the Heritage Orchestra and the Flames Collective, with presale on Tuesday 13 October and general sale on Thursday 15 October.
Other 2026 highlights include a TIME100 Next 2026 honour and a standout appearance at the 2026 VMAs, where she performed “I Will Overcome.” and “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” and joined the 2026 VMAs George Michael tribute alongside sombr, Teddy Swims and Adam Lambert. Read fellow 2026 VMAs tribute performer sombr’s biography for more on her collaborator.
Watch the Official Video
Watch the official music video for “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RAYE’s real name and how old is she?
RAYE’s real name is Rachel Agatha Keen. She was born on 24 October 1997 in Tooting, London, which makes her 28 years old.
What was RAYE’s first UK number one single?
“Escapism.” featuring 070 Shake. It topped the UK Singles Chart in January 2023 and also became her first entry on the US Billboard Hot 100.
What is RAYE’s BRIT Awards record?
At the 2024 ceremony she won six BRIT Awards in one night — the all-time single-night record — including Album of the Year.
When is RAYE’s second album out, and when is her Royal Albert Hall show?
Her second album, THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE., was released in March 2026 and reached UK number one. Her one-off symphonic show “THIS SYMPHONY MAY CONTAIN HOPE.” takes place at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday 23 October 2026.
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