2024 can officially be dubbed “The Year Of The Girl Group”. This year has marked massive chart success and demand for the girl group formula. From British pop to K-pop, girl groups are taking back their rightful seat on music’s throne.
2024 has undeniably become “The Year of The Girl Group”.
From nostalgic reunions of our favorite legendary girl groups to fresh faces emerging on the scene, girl groups are dominating the music industry. While girl groups have appealed to the masses for decades, their cultural and commercial impact is higher than ever in 2024.
Their ability to fuse musical genres, innovate with dynamic performances, and connect with audiences on a personal level has established a new industry standard. These groups are more than just entertainers; they are cultural icons, trendsetters, and generational voices.
Here is a look at a few girl groups making waves this year.
FLO
After forming in 2019, British girl group FLO has constantly elevated the game. The trio, consisting of members Stella, Jorja, and Renee, released their hit single “Cardboard Box” in 2022 and went viral on social media for their smooth vocals, catchy lyrics, and creative music video. Their crisp R&B sound is reminiscent of legendary groups like SWV, Destiny’s Child, and 3LW.
Since then, the trio has received numerous nominations for BET Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and other accolades. They worked with music giant Missy Elliot on their song “Fly Girl” in 2023, and collaborated with British rapper Stormy on the single “Hide and Seek”.
This year, the group made their Coachella debut, performing their 2024 single “Walk Like This”. The group will continue to dominate the music scene when they release their highly anticipated first full-length album sometime this year.
Until then, you can check out FLO’s brand new single “Check” on YouTube.
H3RIZON
Gabby, Bernie, and Tiara make up the Filipina-Australian R&B group H3rizon. Originating from the western region of Sydney, Australia, the group has been leaving a distinct imprint on the music business ever since their formation.
Late last year, the group was signed to Epic Records USA, making history as the first Asia Pacific girl group to do so. Furthermore, as H3rizon’s star continues to rise, they have made it a point to consistently advocate for female empowerment and their strong-knit, deep Filipino culture.
The group released their newest single “Soul Ties” in June. The song features a groovy, dance beat with layered harmonies and a smooth melody. It is paired with a one-take video in which the group dances around the house while singing about high standards and protecting your heart. (*We love to see it!*)
You can look forward to a new single the group has coming out on a to-be-determined date.
KATSEYE
HYBE has officially entered the global girl group market with their new girl group KATSEYE. The group was formed through HYBE and Universal Music Group’s collaborative survival show The Debut: Dream Academy.
The sextet comprises members Yoonchae, Megan, Sophia, Lara, Daniela, and Manon, who hail from various cultural backgrounds. Debuting last month with their song “Debut”, the group has already racked up over four million views on their first mv.
Their latest song “Touch” is a feel-good, classic pop song reminiscent of the early 2000’s pop scene that set the music industry ablaze. The girls’ singing styles combine in a lovely harmony, allowing each member to shine.
Even though they just debuted, the girls have already accrued a fanbase. In late July, the group was welcomed warmly when they made their debut at the annual K-pop convention KCON. And on August 16th, the group will release their first, eagerly anticipated EP, SIS.
MAKO GIRLS
Biological sisters A-Ni, Mimi, and Kena Ochoa comprise the R&B/Pop girl group Mako Girls.
The Atlanta-based trio has been innovating, creating, and performing since 2013. They currently have over 1.6 million followers on TikTok and have opened for the R&B group Mindless Behavior.
The release of their new single “Cut to the Chase” offers up a refreshing blend of Pop and R&B that showcases their unique sound and youthful, energetic style. Executing slick choreography, the MV fully displays Mako Girls’ diverse talents. With a catchy melody and dynamic harmonies, “Cut to the Chase” proves to be a testament to the rising star of the Ochoa sisters.
CITIZEN QUEEN
Citizen Queen first made waves after they released a medley of songs called the “Evolution Of Girl Groups” on YouTube. The medley offers the group’s twist on the history of girl groups and serves as a tribute to those who came before them. The video currently has over 26 million views.
Since then, the group has been creating original music to share with their devoted fans. And while the group has seen the departure of two members, the remaining members: Kaedi Dalley, Cora Isabel, and Nina Ann Nelson, are still committed to making music and bringing their distinctive sound to the world.
The group released their debut EP titled CLIQUE late last year. They currently have a non-album single out titled “Love The Way I Love You”. The song is a stripped-down, R&B love song whose background harmonies, smooth runs, and sensual lyrics bring to mind the likes of the “Vocal Bible” herself, Brandy.
There is no doubt Citizen Queen has and will continue to make their mark on music for years to come.
LE SSERAFILM
They make it look so “Easyyyyyyy”.
K-pop sensation Le Sserafilm already has not one but TWO mega-hit songs in 2024.
The group released their newest EP Easy in February featuring their title track of the same name. The EP ranked in the top ten of the US ‘Billboard 200’ and US ‘World Albums’ charts. It also earned the group their highest first-week sales in Japan.
Subsequently, in March, the group, comprised of members Chae-won, Sakura, Yun-jin, Eun-chae, and Kazuha, released a single from Easy titled “Smart”. The song and its choreography went viral among K-pop stars and fans alike. Additionally, it ranked in the top ten of South Korea’s ‘Circle’ Chart and the US ‘World Digital Song Sales’ Chart.
Le Sserafilm have proved themselves to be a force within the K-pop and global music industry, and the sky is the limit for their success.
SWV/XSCAPE
The Queens have returned.
After hyping their fans up with their reality show SWV & XSCAPE: THE QUEENS OF R&B showcasing the making of the tour, the “Queens Of R&B” officially hit the road.
The tour, featuring special guests and legendary artists MYA, Total, and 702, kicked off in June in California. Tour spots include Las Vegas, Houston, and Atlanta. The ladies will end the tour in Los Angeles, California on August 18th.
While the tour will conclude in August, the impact of SWV and Xscape will remain. Both groups hold great accomplishments that reflect their legendary status.
SWV, aka Sisters With Voices, debuted in 1992. Their debut album It’s About Time went multi-platinum and produced hit singles like “Weak”, “I’m So Into You” and “Right Here/Human Nature”. Michael Jackson liked the group so much that he cleared their sample of “Human Nature”. The song went on to spend seven weeks on Billboard’s ‘Hot R&B Singles’ Chart.
The group has three Grammy nominations and is recognized as one of the most influential, defining girl groups of all time.
Xscape was formed in 1990 out of Atlanta, Georgia. All three of the group’s studio albums have been certified platinum. Their songs “The Arms of the One Who Loves You” and “My Little Secret” were certified gold by the RIAA. The group’s style, harmonies, and lyrical prowess remain the blueprint for the R&B girl groups of today.
The Enduring Legacy Of Girl Groups
The influence of girl groups goes far beyond chart-topping hits and viral music videos. These groups are reshaping the industry and challenging the status quo. The impact they have on culture cannot be overstated.
Girl groups provide a platform for empowering women and uniting communities. They celebrate womanhood in various forms and offer a safe space for everyone to be themselves. They break barriers and push boundaries.
The influx of innovative styles and genres, from R&B to rock to K-pop, keeps the industry fresh. Girl groups are constantly on top of the trends, remaining relevant through shifts of musical eras.
Moreover, the collaboration of legendary girl groups like SWV and Xscape reminds us of the importance of sisterhood. Society can be quick to pit women against each other and incite competition. The Queens of R&B are showing us that greatness can be achieved when we work together.
As they continue to dominate the charts, perform sold-out shows, and inspire fans worldwide, the legacy of the girl group is cemented. As we look forward to what the future holds, one thing is certain: girl groups are here to stay, and their influence will only continue to grow, leaving an undeniable mark on the fabric of the music industry and beyond.
