Stefan Mahendra with Lila Forde

Born to a Sri Lankan father and German mother, Stefan Mahendra’s musical journey began at a piano bench in South London, guided by his mother’s encouragement and early classical training. But it wasn’t long before he veered off the traditional path - drawn deeply into the world of jazz, soul, and R&B.​

His early discovery of American gospel greats like Smokie Norful - artists who weren’t just masterful pianists but also powerful vocalists - inspired a deeper passion for both playing and singing. That influence led him to icons like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, and D’Angelo: legends who built their songs from the keys up, crafting entire sonic worlds from the piano. It's this lineage that flows through Stefan’s music - soulful, grounded, and effortlessly timeless.

​Stefan Mahendra has sold out every headline show he has put on to date. His live journey began with a sold-out debut at PizzaExpress Jazz Club, Holborn in 2022, followed by multiple sold-out performances at the legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in 2023. That same year, he headlined The Lower Third in Soho to a sold-out crowd, confirming his growing reputation as a powerful live artist.

​Since then, Stefan’s profile has continued to rise internationally. In 2024, he opened for US soul sensation Jarrod Lawson on his UK tour, before supporting Death Row Records artist October London on his sold-out UK run in 2025. Later that year, he joined legendary soul group The Stylistics on their 24-date UK tour, performing to audiences across the country. Most recently, in February 2026, Stefan supported Joss Stone on her US West Coast tour - his biggest milestone to date.

With a highly anticipated second EP set for release in March 2026, Stefan Mahendra continues to carve out his space as one of the most distinctive voices in modern R&B and Soul.

Some artists find music; for Lila Forde, music found her – and it’s been calling ever since. With a voice like honey and an “Americana soul” sound steeped in old-school jazz, R&B, and folk traditions, the Seattle-born singer/songwriter and The Voice finalist carries the past into the present with refreshing ease. She does just that on her debut album VESSEL, a confident and cathartic coming-of-age record that captures the full spectrum of her artistry – from its roots in improvisation and harmony, to its emotional depth and genre-spanning warmth.

For Forde, the album’s title is more than metaphor – it’s a mission statement. “I want to be a vessel for the music,” she says. “I’m here to serve it.” VESSEL is meant to reflect the full spectrum of who she is – not just as a musician, but as a person. “I hope people get the whole rainbow,” she adds.

VESSEL is a testament to presence – to showing up for the music, for the moment, and for the messy, meaningful work of being human. It’s not just an introduction; it’s an invitation. Across ten soul-stirring tracks, Lila Forde delivers more than melodies – she offers a window into her world, full of feeling, spirit, and intention. “I want to be a timeless artist,” she says. “I want the songs to last.” If this album is any indication, she’s already well on her way.

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