credit:  Jillian Brown

Ainae at The Belmont

Mar 14, 2025

3:00pm – 3:40pm CT

The Belmont

Ainae is a Washington D.C.-based R&B/Pop artist whose Ethiopian, Black American, and Caribbean heritage infuses her soulful sound. A Season 20 contestant on The Voice (Team Kelly Clarkson), she crafts introspective lyrics inspired by icons like Jamiroquai, Erykah Badu, and Lauryn Hill. Her musical journey includes 9 months at The Lillehammer Institute of Music Productions & Industries (LIMPI) in Norway, where she expanded her international presence with a growing fanbase and a notable presence in Norway's music scene.

From early songwriting at age eight to selling out Union Stage in Dc, Ainae's journey is marked by authentic artistic growth. Her breakout single "Numb" amassed over 26,000 streams, while her latest collaboration 'Weekend Lover' featuring Saint Cirè showcases her rising trajectory, amassing 13,000 streams and signaling her strongest launch to date. Currently an official SXSW 2025 artist, Ainae is set to release her anticipated EP "Volume I" this summer.

Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.

Primary Access
Music Badge
Platinum Badge
Secondary Access
Film & TV Badge
Interactive Badge
Music Festival Wristband
About
From: Washington, DC, United States
Genre: R & B
Subgenre: Pop
Type: Showcase