Grassroots music talent from across the UK was celebrated at the Youth Music Awards 2026, which were held outside London for the first time since launching in 2019.
Hosted last night (October 28) at Liverpool's St George’s Hall, winners included Liverpudlian rapper Koj (Lyricist Award), London duo Trxth & Rhia (Original Track Award - Group), music producer IMVN (Music Producer Award), Rianne Lewis of Run It (Rising Star Award - Industry), Abi Johnson of South West initiative The Music Works (Inspirational Music Leader Awards) and Yorkshire's Conscious Youth CIC (Outstanding Project Award).
The ceremony was hosted by Crystal Raybe and Success Ariyibi.
A national charity, Youth Music is funded thanks to the National Lottery via Arts Council England, players of the Postcode Lottery and support from partners, fundraisers and donors.
The grassroots music ecosystem is more than just a talent pipeline
Adam Joolia, Youth Music
Youth Music has previously backed Sam Fender through Newcastle-based music development agency Generator. Elsewhere, 2023 Mercury Prize winners Ezra Collective developed through Youth Music-backed talent development programmes Tomorrow’s Warriors and Kinetika Bloco.
Meanwhile, 2024 Mercury Prize winners English Teacher were awarded the Rising Star Award at the 2022 Youth Music Awards.
“The grassroots music ecosystem is more than just a talent pipeline," said Youth Music CEO Adam Joolia. "It’s about who gets to take part, empowerment, connection and joy. Grassroots music doesn't start with a stage or a venue. It starts at the places we celebrate at the Youth Music Awards: the youth clubs, community centres and projects. These are the breeding grounds for new music genres, sounds and movements that shape and evolve UK music culture from the grassroots.
“It’s an honour to recognise so many inspiring young people at this year’s awards. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees.”
The panel of judges included Myles Smith, Bicep, Sister Bliss of Faithless, MOBO and Women In Music winners Alt Blk Era, Jess Iszatt, Jodie Bryant and more, while guests included Dan Haggis of The Wombats, Lisa Maffia, Youth Music co-chair Guvna B, Michael Aldag, Lady Ice, broadcasters Mary Mandefield, Jasmine Takhar and Dave Monks, as well as Alex Boateng, president of global creative at Empire, and PRS Foundation CEO Joe Frankland.
Funded by Sony Music UK, the Youth Music Awards Access Fund enables award nominees to access funding for their travel to and from the event.
This year’s award winners include:
Rising Star Award (Industry) sponsored by Kickers - Rianne Lewis (Youth Music NextGen Fund - London)
Inspirational Music Leader sponsored by the MU - Abi Johnson (The Music Works - South West)
Young Leader Award sponsored By AQA - Ria Leah (The Spit Game UK - London)
Original Track Award (Group) supported by Arts Council England - Trxth & Rhia(London)
Lyricist Award sponsored by PRS For Music - Koj (LIMF Academy Launchpad - North West)
Music Video Award supported by Notion - Hillarynx (Youth Music NextGen Fund - London)
Music Producer Award supported by Elephant Music - IMVN (Youth Music NextGen Fund - London)
Outstanding Project Award sponsored by Rocksteady - Conscious Youth CIC, Elevation Music (Yorkshire and The Humber)
Original Track Award (Solo) sponsored by Skiddle - Beastie (Youth Music NextGen Fund - London)
Social Action Award sponsored by Hal Leonard, A Muse Group Company - TiPP (North West)
Rising Star Award (Artist) sponsored by Empire - Righteous Reck (Youth Music NextGen Fund - London)
