Inspirational Music Leader Award is sponsored by The Musicians' Union
The Musicians’ Union represents over thirty-one thousand musicians working in all sectors of the music business and has campaigned on behalf of its members since the organisation was established in 1893. As well as negotiating on behalf of its members with all the major employers in the industry, the MU offers a range of services for self-employed professional and student musicians of all ages.
For more information please visit musiciansunion.org.uk
For a music leader who inspires project participants through their actions, creativity, determination, positivity, energy, selflessness or ability to overcome challenges.
Meet the winner...
Raghad Haddad
Surrey Arts, Youth Ensemble for Arabic Speaking Children (South East)
Raghad is a viola player and pianist from Yabroud, Syria. After graduating from the conservatory in Damascus, she began teaching and performing. Since being granted asylum in the UK in 2018, Raghad has performed at numerous charity events and with orchestras such as The Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians. On behalf of Surrey Arts she has worked on multiple projects supporting vulnerable children, including SEND and refugee children, and was the musical director for I Speak Music, a project bringing together refugee and host communities.
Emmanuel (Manny) Ebokosia
True Cadence, The Expression Project (London)
Emmanuel created True Cadence in September 2019 to give young people access to music industry knowledge. When COVID hit in early 2020, despite True Cadence being only a few months old, Emmanuel remained resilient, delivering virtual programmes to support young people and families alongside his master’s degree without any funds. Now a Community Interest Company, True Cadence has supported over 100 young people from under-resourced communities both alone and in partnership with other local organisations. He now holds a master’s degree in Music Industry Management and Artist Development.
Kay Greyson
Northern Roots, Offenders Programme and Black Managers Programme (North East)
Kay started rapping at the age of 12 years old. She has been a trailblazer on the North East music scene for the past decade and has lived experience of the issues the young people she works alongside are experiencing. Kay has led on two Youth Music programmes over the past two years: the Offenders Programme and the Black Managers Programme. Her work has created a support group of peers drawn from diverse communities who are able to develop and support a Black music scene in the North East.
Youth Music Awards 2022
The Youth Music Awards celebrates the most forward-thinking projects and people making, learning and earning in music. From artists and entrepreneurs to grassroots projects and young leaders, the event recognises an exciting range of trailblazers from across the scene.
Opportunities Board
Discover early stage jobs in the music industry, as well as opportunities to perform, develop skills and gain experience.
Inspirational Music Leader Award sponsored by the MU
For an individual music leader who inspires young people in music through their actions, creativity, determination, positivity, energy, selflessness or ability to overcome challenges.
Youth Music Awards 2022 Judges
Check out which music industry figures was on the roster in 2022 judging our music categories.