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Celebrating Grassroots Music: Highlights from the Youth Music Awards 2024

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Richard Carter performing
Richard Carter performing. Credit: Tim Whitby

Celebrating Grassroots Music: Highlights from the Youth Music Awards 2024

The Youth Music Awards 2024, in association with Hal Leonard Europe was a night to remember. Taking place at London’s Troxy and welcoming over 600 excited guests, the fifth annual award ceremony was all about celebrating grassroots music.

There were explosive performances, passionate speeches and several famous faces from across the industry, from Eve, MNEK, Bashy and many others, including of course, our very own Grassroots Hero, Jordan Stephens.

It was a party from start to finish, let’s take you through it…

MORGAN performing
Credit: Dylan Maggs

Inspiring Performance

Guests had barely taken their seats before Tracks on Tap had them back on their feet with a powerhouse opening performance. As if fired out of a cannon, the NextGen Fund artists set the tone for the night.

Next, Peri Rae delivered an acoustic track that built to a rousing finish, followed by Sarah Isabella, whose soulful voice captivated the room. Then duo Lucky Iris hit the stage with their infectious track “Blowing Kisses”, singing through a wide grin, clearly loving every moment.

4 The Brotherhood took it up a notch, his band donning hospital gowns and guitars for a performance of “Adrenaline Rush” that more than lived up to its name. Viral sensation Meduulla followed with a jazz-infused hip-hop tune, fresh off receiving the Music Video Award in partnership with Notion from Eve herself. It was an amazing night for the Manchester-based NextGen artist.

Capping off the evening was Rising Star Award sponsored by LCCM winner Richard Carter, delivering a characteristically high-energy set. The sky’s the limit for this star.

Sarah Isabella, Noah Bouchard and Tony Olabanji
Sarah Isabella, Noah Bouchard and Tony Olabanji / Credit Dylan Maggs

Industry Leaders Judge and Sponsor Youth Music Awards 2024

We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our category sponsors, including Live Nation (sponsors of our NextGen Team), Sony Music (Travel Fund sponsor), RSL (Brochure sponsor), Pirate Studios (After Party sponsor), Yoto (Admissions sponsor), Turtle Bay (backstage food provider), and Notion (our media partner). Your support was so important in making the event a success!

An incredible line-up of music industry figures judged the award music categories this year, including the DJ duo BICEP and comedian, broadcaster and journalist, Amelia Dimoldenberg. Eve and the rock duo Nova Twins joined the line-up of industry talent, alongside BBC Music presenter, Jess Izatt.

Recognising Young Talent: Winners of the Youth Music Awards 2024

Jordan Stephens wins first ever Grassroots Hero Award
Jordan Stephens wins first ever Grassroots Hero Award. Credit Tim Whitby and Nic Serpell-Rand

First Grassroots Hero Award

To top off an incredible night, Jordan Stephens, best known as one half of Rizzle Kicks, took home the very first Grassroots Hero Award – and he was buzzing! A passionate advocate for grassroots music and underrepresented projects, Jordan said, “I am absolutely buzzing to receive this award from Youth Music. They’re one of my earliest supporters, and I love everything they stand for.” His work in the grassroots music scene and raising awareness around mental health has been amazing, and we’re so proud to celebrate him as our first-ever Grassroots Hero.

Eve
Eve / Credit: Tim Whitby

Youth Music Awards 2024 Media Coverage: Celebrating Talent Nationwide

The event attracted coverage from a variety of media outlets both before and after the ceremony. Music and culture platforms like Notion, Record of the Day, and Music:ED all showed love for the Youth Music Awards, while regional press including Edinburgh Evening News, The Argus, and London World published their own stories. It was a night that resonated across the country.

lockdownT and Livvy K
lockdownT and Livvy K / Credit: Dylan Maggs

Hosts and NextGen Creatives: Empowering Young Talent in the Music Industry

We want to give a special shoutout to our amazing hosts for the evening. The London-based actor, presenter, host, and content creator lockdownT alongside artist, presenter, model and Youth Music NextGen Fund recipient, Livvy K. The duo’s energy was infectious, building a brilliant rapport on stage and they didn’t struggle to keep an already excited crowd bouncing all night.

NextGen Team
NextGen Team / Credit: Rachel Tsang

The Youth Music Awards are a celebration and a platform for NextGen creatives in more ways than one. Once again, we brought on board a team of 18-25-year-olds in behind the scenes roles, working side-by-side with industry pros in positions like hosting, video editing, and production support. What makes our event special is how young people take centre stage—not just in the performances, but behind the scenes too.

And thanks to our sponsor, Live Nation, these young creatives didn’t just gain experience—they also received paid training opportunities.

Youth Music NextGen is our thriving community for young people looking to break barriers and create in the music industry in any and all roles. If you’re interested in finding out more and getting involved, then join our NextGen community here.  

Jasmine Rowland
Jasmine Rowland / Credit: Tim Whitby

After Party

This year’s After Party at Troxy was powered by Pirate Studios. The incredible MORGAN kicked things off, pulling the crowd to the dancefloor with a lively performance. NextGen DJ Jasmine Rowland followed up with an electrifying mix that kept the party going until 1am.

Matt Griffiths, Youth Music CEO
Matt Griffiths, Youth Music CEO / Credit: Tim Whitby

A Word From Our CEO

Youth Music CEO, Matt Griffiths, said: “We are always blown away by the unbelievable level of talent on display at the Youth Music Awards, and this year is no exception. It is a privilege to give a platform to celebrate up-and-coming artists and leaders who are all driving forces in equalising access to music. 

“Grassroots projects continue to face a major funding crisis, so it is now more important than ever to recognise the opportunities they are providing to marginalised young people, nationwide. Huge congratulations to all of tonight’s winners and nominees.”

Thank You

As we celebrate grassroots success at the Youth Music Awards 2024, we can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2025! Thank you to everyone who contributed to this unforgettable night, from our talented performers and inspiring winners to our dedicated sponsors and supporters.

Together, we continue to empower young voices in music.

 See you next year!