The Youth Music Awards 2024 brought together industry experts and newcomers to celebrate the importance of grassroots trailblazers.

The Youth Music Awards 2024 in association with Hal Leonard Europe, held at the iconic Troxy in London, brought together some of the biggest names in music to celebrate grassroots talent and projects making waves in the industry. Notable attendees include Grammy-nominated artist MNEK, ‘Who’s That Girl?’ rapper Eve, and Rizzle Kick’s Jordan Stephens.

Youth Music Awards celebrates the most innovative young artists, entrepreneurs and grassroots leaders in music. The leading charity champions access to music for all young people, believing everyone should have the opportunity to create, learn and succeed in music and creative industries. This year, the charity celebrated 25 years of Youth Music; that’s two and a half decades of bulldozing barriers and making sure that every young person can access music. Last night, Youth Music CEO Matt Griffiths praised the level of talent on display: “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.”

 

Judged by a panel of esteemed industry experts, including comedian and journalist Amelia Dimoldenberg, DJ duo BICEP and broadcaster and DJ Gilles Peterson MBE, the Youth Music Awards spotlights a new generation of artists. “We need to shine a light on young artists coming through and redouble our efforts to support their growth and development. Our future depends on it!”, said Gilles Peterson.

As well as being a judge, Rizzle Kicks’ Jordan Stephens collected the first-ever Grassroots Hero Award: “Winning this award means the world to me because I wouldn’t be here without Youth Music and that is not an exaggeration. I am a big supporter of everything they do to encourage creativity. I love them, I’m overwhelmed!”
Here’s to many more years of Youth Music equalising access to the music industry, and the vital role other charities are playing in supporting the diverse talent pipeline.