LU KALA is in her rising star era.

The internationally recognized pop singer has been making music for years, co-writing tracks like Jennifer Hudson’s “Dangerous” as well as an upcoming Katy Perry release, but her breakthrough moment as an artist came with a head-turning collaboration on Latto’s “Lottery” last year. That track hit the Billboard Hot 100 in February 2023. LU’s solo tracks shot up the Canadian charts shortly after, with empowerment anthems “Pretty Girl Era” and “Hotter Now” getting serious radio airtime.

LU KALA’s penchant for upbeat pop and her charismatic confidence have made her a clear star-in-the-making. She’s spoken publicly about how plus-size Black women are often written off in pop music as not fitting the thin, white mould. LU KALA is breaking through those barriers, onto the charts and into the hearts of fans, including her 500K TikTok followers. "I'm just grateful to be in a place where I'm starting to have these wins that I always dreamed about growing up," she said when accepting the Rising Star Award. Her wins are just beginning.