Sault: A Fusion of R&B and Urban Gospel

Sault is a UK-based band that creates a fusion of R&B, modern urban gospel, house, and disco. This article will explore the members of the band, their accolades, and their well-known tracks and albums.

Who are Sault?

The ensemble was established in 2019 in London. In December 2023, the collective took to the stage for the first time, marking their inaugural concert in the capital of the United Kingdom.

Within a short span, Sault has succeeded in garnering the interest of both critics and fans, earning accolades and nominations, while their music appears in charts and on radio stations across the globe.

Recognition and Accolades

Sault is frequently characterised as a group that defies easy classification yet is impossible to overlook — and critics have acknowledged this. In a relatively brief period, the band has garnered admiration within the music industry.

In 2021, their album ‘Untitled’ (Rise) was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize — one of the most esteemed music awards in Britain, awarded by a panel for ‘Album of the Year’. The following year, 2022, the band’s album ‘Nine’ received a nomination for the Ivor Novello Awards in the Best Album category — a notable British accolade for songwriting and production.

In 2023, Sault secured an Ivor Novello Award for their album 11, and one of their tracks, ‘Stronger’, was nominated in the Best Song, Musically and Lyrically category. Also in 2023, the ensemble was honoured with a MOBO Award for Best R&B/Soul Act — an award dedicated to artists within the R&B and soul genres.

In 2024, the Brit Awards nominated Sault for Best R&B Act (best British R&B artist), and they subsequently triumphed in this category — a significant accolade from the British music scene.

Sault’s Members

The artists in Sault form a tightly bonded collective that has been united for several years. The foundation of the ensemble is made up of Inflo and Cleo Sol.

Inflo

Inflo represents the essence of Sault. His birth name is Dean Josiah Cover, and he was born on 4 June 1988 in London. Inflo serves as the producer for the band, in addition to composing music and playing various instruments, including keyboards, guitar, and bass. His influence is pivotal in establishing Sault’s distinctive sound.

Inflo has extensive experience as a producer; prior to his work with Sault, he partnered with artists like Little Simz and Michael Kiwanuka. Although he prefers to stay out of the spotlight, his impact on the music scene is significant. In 2025, Inflo became embroiled in a legal issue when Little Simz initiated a lawsuit against him for outstanding debts, which included considerable costs associated with a SAULT concert.

Cleo Sol

Cleo Sol serves as the primary vocalist for Sault. Her singing is prominently featured in the band’s songs and has emerged as one of the most identifiable aspects of their music. Although the artist prefers to stay out of the spotlight, her voice resonates across numerous Sault albums, and it is her distinctive vocals that infuse the band’s sound with vibrancy and emotion.

The complete line-up of Sault is not officially revealed — it is essentially a ‘mystical musical collective’. Nonetheless, it is known that the following individuals have contributed to the project:

1. Chronixx — a reggae musician who appeared on later releases.
2. Kid Sister — a singer who featured on early releases.
3. Jack Peñate — a musician/instrumentalist who has been associated with the group since the album Nine.

Besides these artists, others such as Little Simz and Michael Kiwanuka have also collaborated on the project; however, their roles in successful performances classify them as guest collaborators rather than full members, as they appear on specific tracks.

These collaborations enable Sault to sustain a varied sound — encompassing genres from soul and R&B to gospel, funk, and even orchestral influences.

Sault seldom grants interviews, avoids media appearances, and does not disclose their identities to the public, even during album launches. This sense of enigma contributes to a unique atmosphere: their music transcends mere tracks, creating a sonic universe that invites complete immersion, free from distractions of individual personas.

Sault Performances

Sault seldom embarks on tours or lengthy concert series, making each live performance a special occasion for their supporters. Whenever they take the stage at festivals or clubs, it becomes an experience that lingers in memory for a considerable time.

In 2021, Sault was the main act at the Glastonbury Festival, and in 2022, they performed at Field Day, attracting audiences of both soul and R&B enthusiasts as well as those who appreciate music with a deep social message.

In 2023, the group headlined the London Jazz Festival. Then, in 2025, Sault took the stage at London’s largest music festival, All Points East in Victoria Park. This was one of the few instances where fans could witness them live. The concert was part of an event titled ‘Provenance’, featuring performances by Cleo Sol and Chronixx alongside Sault.

The crowd was ecstatic: even with the large audience, an almost personal atmosphere was established, thanks to the vibrant energy of the live instruments, Cleo Sol’s powerful vocals, and the meticulous sound design by Inflo. Many attendees remarked that the infrequency of such performances adds to their significance.

Their participation at All Points East illustrated that even artists who are anonymous and elusive can attract large audiences and earn praise not only from critics but also from the general public. For Sault, this was a pivotal moment, showcasing the distinctiveness of their live music approach.

Albums and notable tracks

Sault has put out numerous albums, each serving as a significant milestone:

• 5 (2019)
• 7 (2019)
• Untitled (Black Is) (2020)
• Nine (2021)
• Air (2022)

Noteworthy songs include: ‘Wildfires’, ‘Free’, ‘Strong’, ‘Don’t Waste My Time’, ‘I Just Want to Dance’.

In 2024, the British group SAULT, whose complete lineup remains undisclosed, launched the album Acts Of Faith, featuring a single track lasting 32 minutes.

Sault frequently explores themes related to the Black community, social inequality, and racial bias in their music. Their sound merges heartfelt vocals, insightful lyrics, and a variety of genres — soul, R&B, funk, and gospel.

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Common Inquiries

Who performs in the band Sault?

The primary vocalists are Cleo Sol and the producer, who is also a musician, Inflo (Dean Josiah Cover). The other members and co-writers choose to remain somewhat anonymous.

Which genre does Sault belong to?

Sault creates music that encompasses the genres of soul, R&B, and funk, incorporating aspects of gospel and neo-soul. The group explores diverse musical styles while delivering a social and political commentary through their lyrics.