Raye: 12 facts about the 'Escapism' singer

1. What is RAYE's real name?

RAYE's real name is Rachel Agatha Keen. At the 2024 BRIT Awards, she revealed her middle name Agatha came from her Grandmother's first name

2. How old is Raye?

Born on 24th October 1997, Raye is 26 years old.

3. What is Raye's hit single 'Escapism' about?

Following her departure from her record label, Raye released 'Escapism' featuring 070 Shake independently in October 2022. The song went viral on TikTok and catapulted up the charts across the world. She told Clash the song "is a story about running away from everything as fast as you can. The lyrics are about just leaving everyone on read, and going out on your own. It came from a messy time, but as humans, we just have to keep surviving!"

4. How many BRIT Awards did RAYE win in 2024?

At the 2024, RAYE won a whopping six BRIT Awards, after being nominated for seven. These included Song & Album of the year - for 'Escapism' and 'My 21st Century Blues'.

5. When did RAYE appear on Saturday Night Live (SNL)?

Following her support on SZA's 'SOS' tour in 2023, Raye appeared on Saturday Night Live on April 5, 2024 alongside Kristen Wiig. The British singer-songwriter recently made history by taking home six BRIT Awards, the most ever awarded to one artist in a single year.

6. Where is Raye from?

Raye was born in Tooting, located in the Wandsworth borough of South London, before growing up in Croydon.

7. Does Raye have Instagram?

Yes! Raye's official Instagram handle is @raye. The singer is very active on Instagram and frequently shares behind the scenes snaps of her in the studio, on tour and on photoshoots. Expect plenty of celebrity appearances, colourful outfits and music teasers.

8. Where are Raye's parents from?

Raye was brought up in a musical family. Her mother, who is of Ghanaian-Swiss heritage, and her English father met at church, where her father would lead worship and her mother sang in the choir. Her Grandfather was also a songwriter and a musician.

9. Where did Raye study?

Raye studied at Woodcote High School in Croydon before enrolling at the BRIT School, a prestigious performing arts school in the same borough, at the age of 14. She studied music and dance, but dropped out after two years because she felt "confined", despite learning "an extensive amount".

10. How was Raye discovered?

After attending a "wild" house party when she was 14, Raye penned an anecdotal song called 'Hotbox'. Olly Alexander, the lead singer of the band Years and Years, would later hear the song, which landed Raye a record deal.

11. Does Raye have Snapchat?

Yes! Raye's official Snapchat username is @arayeofcolours.

12. Raye was once romantically linked to Drake after the pair worked in the studio together.

Drake allegedly formed a "close relationship" with Raye during a number of studio sessions in the run-up to his fifth solo album, 'Scorpion'. The rapper was reportedly blown away by her singing and songwriting talents and, after working together, took her on a "string of dates". A fellow Scorpio, Raye incidentally shares the same birthday as the OVO hitmaker.