Koj, Trxth & Rhia and IMVN recognised at Youth Music Awards 2026

The 2026 Youth Music Awards took a significant step by hosting its ceremony outside London for the first time since its inception in 2019, choosing Liverpool’s iconic St George’s Hall as the venue on October 28. This move underscored the event's commitment to recognizing grassroots music talent from across the United Kingdom.

Among the evening’s distinguished honorees was Liverpudlian rapper Koj, who secured the Lyricist Award, highlighting his contribution to the region's vibrant hip-hop scene. London-based duo Trxth & Rhia earned the Original Track Award in the group category, while producer IMVN received the Music Producer Award, also representing London’s dynamic music production landscape.

The ceremony further acknowledged promising newcomers and community influencers. Rianne Lewis from the group Run It was honored with the Rising Star Award in the Industry category, showcasing emerging leadership behind the scenes. Abi Johnson, affiliated with The Music Works in the South West, was recognized for her Inspirational Music Leader role, reflecting the importance of nurturing local initiatives. Additionally, Yorkshire’s Conscious Youth CIC was celebrated with the Outstanding Project Award, emphasizing impactful community projects within the grassroots sphere.

Hosted by Crystal Raybe and Success Ariyibi, the event gathered a panel of judges comprising respected figures such as Myles Smith, members of Bicep, and Sister Bliss of Faithless, alongside notable award recipients from MOBO and Women In Music. Attendees also included artists and industry leaders like Dan Haggis of The Wombats, Lisa Maffia, and Guvna B, affirming the awards’ influence across different sectors of the music community.

Youth Music, the charitable organization behind the awards, operates with funding support from the National Lottery through Arts Council England, the Postcode Lottery, and various partners. Its role extends beyond talent discovery, focusing on inclusivity, empowerment, and fostering joy in music participation. The organization’s support has historically contributed to the development of prominent artists such as Sam Fender and the Mercury Prize-winning collective Ezra Collective, as well as recent winners English Teacher.

The 2026 ceremony also highlighted the practical support provided to nominees, including travel funding through the Youth Music Awards Access Fund, sponsored by Sony Music UK. This initiative reflects a commitment to accessibility, ensuring that emerging talents from various regions can attend and benefit from the event.

Award categories covered a broad spectrum of musical roles and accomplishments. For example, the Original Track Award for solo artists went to Beastie, while Hillarynx won for Music Video. The Social Action Award was presented to TiPP, underscoring the intersection of music and community engagement. The Rising Star Award for artists was given to Righteous Reck, further emphasizing the breadth of emerging talent supported by Youth Music.

By situating the awards in Liverpool and celebrating diverse regional representation, the 2026 Youth Music Awards reinforced the notion that the foundation of the UK’s evolving music culture lies within local clubs, community centres, and grassroots projects. These spaces serve as creative incubators where new genres and sounds emerge, shaping the future of British music.

As the event continues to highlight both creative and leadership excellence among young musicians and industry professionals, it remains a pivotal platform for elevating underrepresented voices and fostering innovation within the UK’s music ecosystem. Details on future initiatives and expanded support for grassroots artists are anticipated but remain limited at this stage.