Written by: Kai Eldridge, Music Discovery Editor, OnesToWatch
Key Takeaways
- All Points East 2026 features underrated acts like Ravyn Lenae and Nia Archives with real arena potential on Victoria Park stages.
- These artists show momentum through streaming growth, BRIT recognition, and co-signs from Tyler, The Creator, Jorja Smith, and Drake.
- Live performances mix powerful vocals, striking visuals, and genre fusion across R&B, soul, jungle, and alternative, setting up major breakthroughs.
- Festival undercards offer rare chances to see future headliners up close, echoing the early rises of SZA and Chappell Roan.
- Explore more rising artists and predictions at OnesToWatch to stay ahead of music’s next wave.
Why Undercard Sets Matter at All Points East 2026
Victoria Park’s six-day programming turns All Points East into a discovery engine for new artists. Headliners pull the biggest crowds, but the undercard hides emerging R&B, soul, jungle, and alternative acts on the edge of breakout moments. Secret London confirms gates open at 2pm most days, so you have hours to roam stages before evening main events.
Festival overwhelm hits fast when lineups list dozens of unfamiliar names. These ten acts stand out with clear momentum and live energy that can carry them from side stages to arenas. For deeper insight into which emerging artists are primed for breakthrough years, check out OnesToWatch’s Top Artists To Watch in 2026.
Preview: Top 10 Underrated All Points East Acts 2026
- 1. Ravyn Lenae: SZA-vibes soul ready to mesmerize main stage
- 2. Nia Archives: Jungle’s BRIT-nominated breakout star
- 3. Samara Cyn: Rising R&B with Tyler co-sign
- 4. Wesley Joseph: Avant-R&B filmmaker with Pitchfork praise
- 5. Elmiene: Soul debut described as “brilliantly monumental”
- 6. Odeal: Jorja Smith-curated rising talent
- 7. Fakemink: Drake-backed with Wireless festival experience
- 8. Dijon: Introspective R&B gaining critical acclaim
- 9. Jessie Murph: TikTok-to-arena trajectory with fastest-growing audience
- 10. Djo: Stranger Things star’s viral music breakthrough
1. Ravyn Lenae: Soul Heir Apparent to SZA at All Points East
Chicago’s Ravyn Lenae delivers ethereal R&B that blends SZA’s early intimacy with Solange’s artful vision. Her 2022 album “Hypnos” showed mature songwriting, while collaborations with Steve Lacy and Smino signal deep industry respect. She performs on Tyler, The Creator’s first night on August 28, a slot that places her in front of open-minded fans.
On stage, Lenae turns quiet studio tracks into widescreen emotional moments. Her range and calm confidence feel main-stage ready, with sets that build from hushed focus to full crowd sing-alongs. Expect dreamy visuals and voices rising on “Venom.” This show could echo early SZA festival sets that quietly marked the shift from cult favorite to future headliner.
2. Nia Archives: Jungle’s BRIT-Nominated Breakout Star
The 24-year-old Yorkshire producer is the first junglist to receive three BRIT Award nominations in her career, with two in 2025 (Artist of the Year and Best Dance Act) and one in 2023 (Best New Artist), placing her at jungle’s commercial front line. Her 2022 MOBO Award for Best Dance/Electronic Act and third place in BBC Sound of 2023 show that her rise extends far beyond a single viral track.
Archives’ live sets fuse DJ skills with live vocals, so she can work both packed dance tents and wide main stages. This flexibility helps her lead jungle’s mainstream revival as the genre gains new listeners. Performing on Jorja Smith’s curated day accelerates that rise by putting her in front of crossover audiences, similar to how Disclosure used festival slots to push electronic music into the spotlight.
3. Samara Cyn: Rising R&B with Tyler Co-Sign
Samara Cyn appears on one of Tyler, The Creator’s nights at All Points East 2026, a placement that signals serious belief from a famously selective curator. Her R&B pairs classic songcraft with modern production, which connects with both nostalgic listeners and fans chasing new sounds. Recent streaming spikes and Tyler’s support point toward growing label interest.
On stage, Cyn keeps the focus on her voice rather than heavy backing tracks, a smart approach when festival tech can be unpredictable. Her path resembles early Kali Uchis, another Tyler collaborator who turned festival slots into long-term touring power. That pattern suggests Cyn could move from undercard name to marquee billing over the next few years.
4. Wesley Joseph: Avant-R&B Filmmaker with Pitchfork Praise
Birmingham’s Wesley Joseph merges music and film, most clearly in his self-directed “MONSOON” video. His second project “GLOW” earned Pitchfork praise for its “graceful avant-R&B” sound, while DIY gave it four stars for presenting his vision “in technicolour fashion.”
Joseph’s multimedia focus turns festival sets into full sensory experiences that fans want to film and share. Collaborations with A.K. Paul, Joy Orbison, and Jorja Smith show his comfort across experimental and mainstream spaces. Live, he balances close-mic vocals with bold production choices, hinting at arena-scale shows as audiences lean into more adventurous R&B.
5. Elmiene: Soul Debut Described as “Brilliantly Monumental”
Elmiene’s 2026 debut album “sounds for someone” was described by NME as “brilliantly monumental,” placing him among the most exciting new soul voices. He draws from 2Pac, Prince, and Stevie Wonder, then filters those influences through modern, detailed songwriting.
His All Points East set features the Sunday Service Choir, conducted by Jason White, which lifts the show into full gospel spectacle. That kind of staging recalls how Leon Bridges grew from club rooms to festival main stages through powerful, choir-backed performances. Elmiene feels poised for a similar leap.
6. Odeal: Jorja Smith-Curated Rising Talent
Odeal joins Jorja Smith’s curated day alongside Tems and Ayra Starr, a lineup that reads like a handpicked future-class of R&B and Afrobeats. Smith’s FAMM label role in shaping the bill suggests a personal endorsement rather than a casual add-on. His smooth, rhythmic R&B threads neatly through the day’s Afrobeats and soul focus.
Curated festival days often become turning points, because artists tap into headliner crowds and industry eyes at once. Odeal’s path could echo Jorja Smith’s own move from early festival slots to top-line posters, especially with that direct mentorship and shared audience base.
7. Fakemink: Drake-Backed with Wireless Festival Experience
Fakemink was brought out by Drake at Wireless festival and appeared on EsDeeKid’s track “LV Sandals” in 2025, which proves he can handle big stages and high-pressure moments. His return to Tyler, The Creator’s first night at All Points East builds on that momentum and introduces him to another massive crowd.
Drake’s support has shaped careers for artists like Popcaan and PARTYNEXTDOOR, and Fakemink now sits in that lineage. His Wireless performance showed he can translate studio energy to outdoor festivals, while his growing collaboration list hints at long-term backing rather than a single viral flash.
8. Dijon: Introspective R&B Gaining Critical Acclaim
Dijon crafts introspective R&B that critics praise for emotional honesty and detailed production. His slot on Tyler, The Creator’s second night alongside Daniel Caesar and Faye Webster shows how well his reflective style fits that day’s mood.
Live, Dijon leans into intimacy rather than spectacle, which can cut through the noise of louder sets around him. The effect recalls early Bon Iver festival shows, where quiet intensity drew huge, hushed crowds and built loyal fanbases that later filled arenas.
9. Jessie Murph: TikTok-to-Arena Trajectory with Fastest-Growing Audience
Jessie Murph brings one of the fastest-growing audiences in the All Points East 2026 lineup, continuing her jump from TikTok covers to a huge global fanbase with millions of listeners. Her second album stretches into pop, hip hop, and alternative, and “Criminal” from the Scream 7 soundtrack proves she can land big crossover moments.
The TikTok-to-festival pipeline has already powered careers for artists like Clairo and Rex Orange County. Murph’s appearance on Twenty One Pilots’ day introduces her to alternative rock fans who might not know her online work yet. That mix of digital reach and live exposure sets her up for long-term touring success.
10. Djo: Stranger Things Star’s Viral Music Breakthrough
Djo’s breakout hit “End Of Beginning” went very viral over the past few years, and his third album “The Crux,” released in April 2025, drew praise as a stellar project. Joe Keery’s shift from Stranger Things actor to serious musician shows clear artistic intent rather than a quick side project.
His support slot for Lorde pairs him with an audience that already loves introspective, left-of-center pop. Celebrity musicians often face skepticism, but Djo’s consistent releases and strong reviews point to real growth, similar to how Lady Gaga evolved into a respected album artist.
All Points East Underrated Acts: Reddit vs Industry Buzz
Reddit threads frequently single out Ravyn Lenae’s live vocals and Nia Archives’ high-energy sets as surprise highlights. Fans also praise Wesley Joseph’s visuals and Elmiene’s emotional performances, while Jessie Murph’s rapid growth sparks constant conversation. Reddit tends to focus on immediate impact, while OnesToWatch adds industry context and data to predict which of these moments turn into lasting careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which underrated acts have the best live sets at All Points East 2026?
Nia Archives and Wesley Joseph deliver some of the most dynamic live experiences, blending DJ craft and performance elements. Archives’ jungle sets land with both dance fans and casual festivalgoers, while Joseph’s multimedia staging creates constant photo and video moments. Ravyn Lenae and Elmiene offer quieter but equally gripping shows built around vocals and emotional pull.
Are there confirmed stage times for All Points East 2026 undercard acts?
Official stage times are not out yet, but gates usually open at 2pm, with undercard acts running through the afternoon and early evening. In past years, smaller artists have played secondary stages from around 3–6pm, with main support slots from roughly 6–8pm before headliners. Check the official All Points East website closer to the dates for exact schedules.
How does OnesToWatch identify these breakthrough artists?
OnesToWatch uses a pipeline that blends streaming data, live performance reviews, industry relationships, and predictive modeling based on past wins. The platform has highlighted more than 850 artists over the last decade, including SZA, Chappell Roan, and Billie Eilish. That track record supports its ability to flag future headliners early.
Which genres are best represented among underrated All Points East acts?
R&B and soul dominate the undercard across several days, with jungle and electronic sounds rising through artists like Nia Archives. Alternative and indie acts cluster mainly on the Lorde and Twenty One Pilots days, while hip-hop influences run strongly through Tyler, The Creator’s curated nights. The mix reflects current trends toward genre-blending and fluid listening habits.
How do Reddit recommendations compare to industry predictions?
Reddit excels at capturing real-time festival buzz and crowd reactions, but usually skips deeper industry context. OnesToWatch layers that fan energy with metrics on streaming, label support, collaborations, and historical patterns to gauge arena potential, not just one-off festival moments. Together, both views give a fuller picture of which artists to follow.
For deeper analysis of emerging artists’ trajectories and industry positioning, visit OnesToWatch for exclusive artist insights.
Conclusion: How to Plan Your All Points East Discovery Schedule
These ten underrated All Points East acts offer some of the festival’s strongest discovery moments, pairing clear momentum with live shows built for growth. From Ravyn Lenae’s SZA-adjacent soul to Nia Archives’ jungle charge, each artist shows traits that separate future headliners from short-lived hype. Victoria Park’s varied stages give them space to connect with new fans before mainstream saturation hits.
Prioritize these names when mapping your All Points East schedule, because chances to see them in smaller festival settings may not last long. To discover more emerging artists before they reach headliner status, explore OnesToWatch’s complete 2026 predictions.