Rachel Keen deserves her fairytale ending more than most. Having lingered in the shadows, writing for the likes of John Legend and Beyoncé, this year RAYE became the first artist to win six awards at the prestigious Brit Awards. Her tearful speech spoke volumes about her painful journey. When her label stopped believing in her solo career, RAYE found the strength to follow her own path with the words of Nina Simone: “An artist’s duty is to reflect the times.” Her sumptuous album and biggest hit (‘Escapism’) followed, tackling themes of sexism, addiction and body dysmorphia. RAYE’s Ghanaian, Swiss and British heritage is reflected in her multi-faceted music which blends inspiration from soul, pop, jazz and blues with consummate ease. At Montreux, she’ll be following in the footsteps of her heroines, from Nina Simone to Lauryn Hill and Ella Fitzgerald.