Nao Yoshioka + Support

This programme is part of VOICES Rotterdam: a new city festival in Rotterdam organised by de Doelen for music, journalism and encounters.

A powerful voice in soul

Nao Yoshioka is one of the rarest things in music: a true soul singer.

Born in Japan, she made her way to New York driven by a singular calling. The moment Sam Cooke’s voice reached something deep inside her, she knew she wanted to dedicate her life to creating music that could touch people on the same level. She has been chasing that feeling ever since, pouring it into every note she sings. Her voice carries the raw power of Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston while speaking the language of modern soul, bridging the classic and the contemporary with an authenticity that is impossible to fake. As a Japanese artist carving out a unique place within the global soul scene, she stands in a category of her own.

Above all, Nao Yoshioka is a live artist. A concert video that surpassed 5.2 million views on YouTube brought her to the world’s attention, and she has continued to build that reputation through performances at Blue Note New York, London Jazz Cafe, Java Jazz Festival, Capital Jazz Fest, and stages across the globe. She also made history as the first Japanese artist to chart on Billboard’s UAC chart, reaching No. 32.

From Flow to self

In 2024, she released her fifth studio album Flow and embarked on a world tour spanning 11 countries across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. In 2026, she released her new album self, bringing together collaborations with artists including Bilal, Jamila Woods, Keyon Harrold, Braxton Cook, and Chien Chien Lu. The album expands her musical world while continuing her exploration of contemporary soul, drawing together artists and influences from across generations and genres.

Following the release of self on July 17, 2026, Nao continued to build her international presence with a European tour that included performances at Ronnie Scott's Upstairs in London, Jamboree in Barcelona, Blue Note Milano in Milan, Bizz'art in Paris, and Scena MONK in Gdańsk.

Now, with self marking another step in her evolution, Nao Yoshioka continues to establish herself as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary soul music. Deep, elegant, and emotionally direct, her voice crosses borders and speaks straight to the heart.