Youth Music Awards 2023: Amelia Dimoldenberg, Clara Amfo, Kojey Radical and MNEK celebrate rising stars of the music industry

19 October 2023 - Press release

  

• Hundreds of guests across the music industry were in attendance at Troxy to celebrate diverse grassroots music talent from across the UK
• BBC Radio 1 presenter Clara Amfo, GRAMMY-nominated singer songwriter MNEK and DJ duo BICEP made surprise guest appearances to present awards
• Awards were judged by industry experts including singer-songwriter Fleur East, Chicken Shop Date star and presenter Amelia Dimoldenberg and rapper Kojey Radical
• Rising Tamil-Swiss artist Priya Ragu closed the night with an eclectic performance ahead of her debut album release on Friday

 

Last night, the Youth Music Awards 2023 in association with Hal Leonard Europe saw stars such as Chicken Shop Date presenter and youth music advocate, Amelia Dimoldenberg; BBC Radio 1 presenter Clara Amfo; and rapper, Kojey Radical attend a star-studded ceremony at London's iconic Troxy.

The annual event represents a more diverse, inclusive and creative music industry, by platforming young people facing the biggest barriers to accessing music.  

Event attendees celebrated 12 award winners, judged by renowned members of the music industry, including Amelia Dimoldenberg, singer and BRIT nominated Rising Star, Joy Crookes;synthpop band, Hot Chip; and artist Kwabs;alongside journalists, presenters and tastemakers. Each award was sponsored by some of the UK's most prolific music, fashion and culture brands, including Amazon Music, Levi's, Ticketmaster and TikTok.  

Categories included Lyricist Award, Original Track Award (Group), Music Producer Award and Original Track Award (Solo), with the winners of these awards faced with another surprise as Clara Amfo, Kojey Radical, BICEP and MNEK stepped on to the stage to present their awards. 

Amelia Dimoldenberg said: "It feels amazing to be here tonight to support young creatives and young musicians. It was an honour to be a part of the judging panel - I really loved sharing the expertise I have, and hope that it will be beneficial to the career paths of these future stars." 

Clara Amfo, Radio 1 DJ and presenter said: "As we all know we can't help the circumstances we are born into, so it's all about levelling the playing field. There are very important people in this room that have made a huge difference, so let's keep supporting grassroots music to give everyone the same chance." 

UK rapper and singer, Kojey Radical, said: "It's an absolute honour, the Youth Music Awards are so important. I wish I had something like this when I was coming up. Looking around seeing so many familiar faces, it's nice to know so many of my peers also support the Youth Music Awards." 

Following another year where music festivals and award ceremonies faced criticism for lacking representation, the Youth Music Awards celebrated under-represented groups and appealed to the industry to 'Take Note'. Performers included alternative music sister duo ALT BLK ERA and visionary artist Richard Carter. BBC Sounds 2022 star, Priya Ragu, closed the event, with silky renditions of her vibrant tracks from her forthcoming album SANTHOSAM followed by Capital Xtra DJ Kennedy Taylor who took to the decks with a mix of the best of R&B and Hip Hop.  

  

Award winners included: 

• Ni Maxine, Original Track Award (Solo) sponsored by Levi's is an emerging neo-jazz artist, and her award-winning song is rooted in the exploration of love in all forms and her experience as a black woman navigating the modern world.
• TL, Lyricist Award sponsored by PRS for Music is a conscious rapper who has a rawness to his sound and lyrics reflective of artists twice his age. His intelligent wordplay reflects his experience growing up in London. TL's best friend was murdered in 2021 after GCSE exams, prompting TL to write the political and heartfelt lyrics of his winning song.
• Owain Elidir Williams, Rising Star Award (Industry) sponsored by Songkickproduced the first and only bilingual music publication in Wales, Klust; giving a platform to Welsh artists.
• Elizabeth J. Birch, Inspirational Music Leader sponsored by the Musicians' Union paves the way as a role model for young Disabled musicians and facilitators. She is a talented singer-songwriter and passionate spokesperson with lived experience as a disabled musician.
• Pan Intercultural Arts', Amies Freedom Choir, Social Action Award sponsored by Hal Leonard Europe supports female survivors of human trafficking. The choir allows the women to find joy, belonging and community through the collective art of making music as they struggle with challenges including housing, benefits, legal asylum processes, family and health issues. 

 

Past winners have achieved significant success since the awards, including Leeds band English Teacher, who won the Rising Star Award (Artist) and recently released a new single with Island Records and secured a slot at this year's Glastonbury Festival. In addition, artist, songwriter and producer Sans Soucis, 2021 winner, has since gone on to sign a deal with Decca Records, and open for Rina Sawayama.   

Youth Music CEO, Matt Griffiths, said: "The Youth Music Awards provides a platform for the incredibly talented next generation of creatives and leaders emerging from the grassroots organisations we invest in across the country. The event really demonstrates the importance of supporting grassroots music. Without it, the future of music is less diverse, inclusive, and creative.  

"As we approach our 25^th anniversary next year, we hope the music industry is inspired to 'Take Note' of what it means to level the playing field for young people making, learning and earning in music." 

Brighton based singer songwriter, EVA, who won three awards on the night, said: "Youth Music means so much to me. They took me in when I was 18 and I didn't have any music out. Youth Music is all about supporting and showcasing undiscovered and emerging talent, which is just so important."  

Hal Leonard Europe's Strategic Partnerships Manager, Ollie Winstone, said: "Like Youth Music, Hal Leonard Europe's vision is to enable music-making for everyone, providing the products and services musicians need to do what they do best.  

"This year's awards once again provided inspiration, vision and a vital platform to establish a more inclusive music industry. Hal Leonard adds its voice for the wider music industry to 'Take Note' of the importance of inclusive music education, grassroots music-making, and access for all." 

 

For a full list of winners, and for more information head to https://youthmusic.org.uk/awards