Aya Nakamura is from a family of griots—traditional West African storytellers and historians. The difference is that she packs her stories into sleek R&B full of slippery rhythms and sunny Afrobeat glow, inspired by Cassie and Katy Perry as well as by more local talents. Hits like Luis Fonsi's "Despacito" hint at another inspiration for her imaginative way with smoky melodies.