Sasha Keable to Perform ‘Options’ and ‘Why’ on Saturday Night Live UK
Malaysian singer-songwriter Sasha Keable, a rising star in the UK’s R&B and soul scene, delivered a standout musical performance on Saturday Night Live UK last night, marking her first appearance on the sketch comedy…
Source: NME · October 11, 2026 at 11:01 AM · AI-assisted report
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UK, COLOMBIA, LONDON, PHILADELPHIA, WASHINGTON (ROUNDHOUSE), 11 OCTOBER 2026 —
Malaysian singer-songwriter Sasha Keable, a rising star in the UK’s R&B and soul scene, delivered a standout musical performance on Saturday Night Live UK last night, marking her first appearance on the sketch comedy show’s second series.
Market Impact
The British-Colombian artist, who has quickly ascended the global music charts with her soulful sound, performed two tracks—Options, her recently released single, and Why, a fan-favorite from her 2025 EP Act Right—during the fourth episode hosted by comedian Danny Dyer.
Keable’s appearance underscores her rapid rise in the UK music industry, where she has been hailed as a fresh voice blending traditional soul with modern R&B. Her performance on SNL UK follows a string of high-profile accolades, including a nomination for Best R&B Act at this year’s BRIT Awards, a five-star review from NME for Act Right, and inclusion in the publication’s 2026 list of 100 essential emerging artists.
The show’s platform further cements her status as a breakout talent, with her music gaining traction both domestically and internationally.
The performance featured Options, released on October 1 and co-written with producer Eddie Lopes, who had already crafted the melody before Keable’s spontaneous lyric—"breakup sex"—became the song’s central theme. The track, which explores the complexities of post-relationship intimacy, was accompanied by a music video filmed in Colombia, reflecting Keable’s family roots. Its release followed the expanded edition of Act Right, titled ACT II, which dropped in February 2026 and included five additional tracks.
Why, the second song performed, was originally released in 2024 but gained renewed attention after being reissued on the EP.
Keable’s career trajectory has been marked by strategic collaborations and festival appearances, including a tour with GIVĒON, support slots for Olivia Dean, and performances at the Roots Picnic festivals in London and Philadelphia. Her growing influence in the UK music scene is further highlighted by her upcoming participation in a 20th-anniversary celebration of Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black at London’s Roundhouse on October 21.
The event, featuring Mark Ronson, Salaam Remi, and guest vocalists such as Jorja Smith, FLO, Corinne Bailey Rae, and Lianne La Havas, will revisit the iconic album in its entirety, with Keable among the select performers.
While Keable’s musical ambitions are firmly rooted in the UK, her Colombian heritage and soul-infused sound resonate with a broader audience, including Malaysian listeners who follow global R&B trends. The artist’s ability to merge cultural influences with contemporary production has earned her comparisons to Winehouse and other soul revivalists, positioning her as a key figure in the genre’s resurgence.
Her performance on SNL UK not only solidifies her place in British pop culture but also aligns with the show’s mission to spotlight emerging talents across genres.
Looking ahead, Saturday Night Live UK will continue its second series with James Norton hosting the next episode on October 17, featuring The Streets as musical guests. Cynthia Erivo and Blossoms are set to appear on October 24, before the show takes a break until early 2027. Keable’s next steps remain focused on her music, with no immediate announcements of new releases or tours, though her inclusion in high-profile events suggests a busy schedule ahead.
For now, her SNL UK performance stands as a defining moment in her career, further establishing her as a name to watch in the evolving landscape of UK music.