Laura Mvula grew up in the Birmingham suburbs of Selly Park and Kings Heath with two younger siblings, and was influenced by the girl band Eternal. In 2005, Mvula sang with Black Voices, an a cappella group set up by her aunt. In 2008, she formed a jazz/neo-soul group called Judyshouse, singing lead vocals and writing material for the band.

She graduated from the Birmingham Conservatoire with a degree in composition. While she was working as a supply teacher in a Birmingham secondary school, she started writing songs on her laptop.

After several showcases, Laura Mvula was signed by RCA. She released her debut EP, "She," in November 2012. Her debut studio album, "Sing to the Moon," was released in March 2013. Paul Lester from The Guardian described her music as "gospeldelia," calling it a new musical genre.

In December 2012, Mvula was shortlisted for the Critics' Choice award at the 2013 BRIT Awards. She was also nominated for the BBC's Sound of 2013 poll. In October 2013, Mvula won awards for best female act and best R&B or soul artist at the 2013 MOBO Awards.

Mvula's influences include Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill.

"Sing to the Moon" reached No. 9 on the UK Albums Chart and within the top 100 in seven other countries.