Nightmares On Wax Greentea Peng

Biography

Greentea Peng, born Aria Wells on December 1, 1994, in South East London, is an English singer-songwriter celebrated for her unique blend of neo-soul, psychedelic R&B, and influences from hip hop, dub reggae, and jazz. Her early life was marked by significant upheaval; after her parents separated when she was 12, she moved with her mother to Hastings but often returned to London to visit her father. Despite an early passion for music, bullying and a loss of self-confidence led her to stop performing by age 15. After leaving school early, she returned to London at 17, working in bars and nightclubs while struggling with substance abuse and depression.

A transformative period came when she traveled to Tulum, Mexico, where she worked at a yoga retreat and began to embrace spirituality and self-healing. This experience rekindled her love for music, and upon returning to London, she met producer Earbuds, with whom she created her debut EP 'Sensi' in 2018. Greentea Peng quickly gained recognition for her introspective lyrics and genre-blending sound, with standout tracks like 'Downers' and 'Ghost Town' addressing personal struggles and social issues. Her subsequent releases, including the mixtape 'Greenzone 108' and albums 'Man Made' (2021) and 'Tell Dem It's Sunny' (2025), have solidified her reputation as a bold and innovative voice in contemporary British music. Her artistry is defined by a balance of vulnerability and strength, spiritual exploration, and a commitment to authenticity.

Fun Facts

• Her stage name comes from a box of Green Tea Seng she bought in Peru, combined with the UK slang 'peng' meaning attractive or tasty.
• She rediscovered her passion for music while working at a yoga retreat in Tulum, Mexico, after a period of substance abuse and self-doubt.
• Peng’s COLORS performance of 'Downers' went viral, amassing over 18 million views and significantly boosting her profile.
• She is known for her spiritual and psychedelic aesthetic, often incorporating astrology and cosmic themes into her music and visuals.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Lauryn Hill - Major stylistic and lyrical influence; Peng cites Hill as a foundational inspiration for her approach to songwriting and vocal delivery. (General influence, not tied to specific projects) [Ongoing]
• Erykah Badu - Influence on Peng's neo-soul and psychedelic R&B style, particularly in vocal phrasing and spiritual themes. (General influence, not tied to specific projects) [Ongoing]
• Miss Dynamite - Influence on Peng's blend of soul and UK urban music, as well as her candid lyricism. (General influence, not tied to specific projects) [Ongoing]
• Lily Allen - Influence on Peng’s honest, conversational lyrical style. (General influence, not tied to specific projects) [Ongoing]

Key Collaborators

• Earbuds - Primary producer and creative partner, co-created debut EP 'Sensi' and subsequent projects. (Sensi (2018), Rising (2019), other tracks) [2018–present]
• Nightmares On Wax (George Evelyn) - Collaborated on the track 'Top Steppa V2,' blending Peng’s vocals with Nightmares On Wax’s iconic downtempo production. (Top Steppa V2 (2022), Greenzone 108 mixtape (2022)) [2022]
• KESH - UK designer and artist, serves as Peng's manager and creative advisor. (Management and visual direction) [2016–present]

Artists Influenced

• Emerging UK neo-soul and alternative R&B artists - Peng’s genre-blending style and openness about mental health and spirituality have inspired a new wave of British artists. (Notable in the broader UK scene, but no specific individuals named in sources) [2020s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. You Wish (In A Space Outta Sound)
2. Flip Ya Lid (In A Space Outta Sound)
3. Les Nuits (Carboot Soul)
4. Typical (Shape The Future)
5. Da Feelin (Thought So…)
6. Morse (Carboot Soul)
7. Imagineering (Shout Out! To Freedom...)
8. Nights Introlude (Smokers Delight)
9. 30 Groove St.
10. Waiting A Minute

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia