- Words Liam Cattermole
Following a thrilling night saluting the best rising talent in music, we take a look at the winners of this year’s Youth Music Awards in association with Hal Leonard Europe.
“As we all know we can’t help the circumstances we are born into, so it’s all about levelling the playing field,” BBC Radio 1’s star Clara Amfo weighed in after presenting this year’s Youth Music Awards in association with Hal Leonard Europe. In fact, her words are mirrored at the crux of the organisation’s mission: to celebrate young emerging creatives on their musical journeys from grassroots origins.
This year we witnessed a coterie of exceptionally talented newcomers bursting onto the scene, rightfully claiming their well-earned accolades. Neo-jazz whizz, Ni Maxine, was awarded ‘Original Track Award (Solo)’ for her song ‘Strange Love’, which unravels the universal odyssey towards self-love. Wordsmith TL took home the ‘Lyricist Award’ for his intellectual wordplay in a track inspired by the tragic loss of a friend during their juvenile years.
Owain Elidir Williams was crowned with the ‘Rising Star (Industry) Award’ for his bilingual music publication in Wales. Named Klust, the zine platforms rising Welsh artists. Elizabeth J. Birch took home the ‘Inspirational Music Leader’ award, whilst Pan Intercultural Art’s Amies Freedom choir were awarded the ‘Social Action Award’ for their work supporting female survivors of human trafficking.
Rising singer-songwriter, EVA achieved a sweep of three honours, spanning from the prestigious ‘Rising Star Award’ to her victory in the ‘Music Video Award’ category for her sports-themed visual narrative in the video for ‘My One.’
The evening also saw notable names within the industry making an appearance. From British rap talisman, Kojey Radical, DJ duo BICEP and dance-pop king MNEK, each name presented their own awards to the plethora of emerging talent. There were also performances from alternative music sister duo ALT BLK ERA and visionary artist Richard Carter, not to forget Capital Xtra DJ Kennedy Taylor, who took to the decks and cemented the night as one to remember.
Check out the full list of winners and nominees for Youth Music Awards 2023 below:
Young Leader Award sponsored by Clintons.
Winner: David Coke, Heart n Soul
Kobe Francis (The Music Works)
Manon Molyneaux (The Music Works)
Music Producer Award sponsored by Amazon Music and presented by BICEP.
Winner: James Jones – Coconut Beach
Gaddiel Nketia (Nottingham C.A.N)
James Jones (LAB7)
Naafi (Youth Music NextGen Fund)
Inspirational Music Leader Award sponsored by the Musicians’ Union.
Winner: Elizabeth J. Birch, MAC Birmingham
Antonia Lines (Come Play With Me C.I.C.)
Benjamin Turner (Rap Club Productions C.I.C.)
Liz Birch (Midlands Art Centre)
Live Performance Award sponsored by Ticketmaster.
Winner: EVA
Kindelan (Music:Leeds)
ALT BLK ERA (Inspire Youth Arts, Youth Music NextGen Fund)
Music Video Award sponsored by YouTube.
Winner: EVA – My One
George Bloomfield – Goodnight (MusicLeeds)
Qazi & Qazi – Forward (Youth Music NextGen Fund)
Sarah Angel – Wistful Tenderness (Reform Radio CIC)
StudioWyzz – SIP (HQ CAN Community Interest Group)
Yv Shells – LOSS (Youth Music NextGen Fund)
Original Track Award (Solo) sponsored by Levi’s and presented by Clara Amfo.
Winner: Ni Maxine – Strange Love
Boodz (ft. TL) – Inside Step (Rap Club Productions C.I.C.)
Joe Winter – Laughing for the West (Youth Music NextGen Fund)
YV Shells – LOSS (Youth Music NextGen Fund)
Original Track Award (Group) sponsored by Marshall Amplification and presented by MNEK.
Winner: FORM – Confused
Big Den, Nemo, Oscar & King Dre – Love Letters (Finding Rhythms CIO)
Gomid (ft QOVŌP) – No One (Perform Radio CIC)
Qazi & Qazi – Forward (Youth Music NextGen Fund)
Treeboy & Arc – Retirement (MusicLeeds)
Rising Star Award (Artist) sponsored by Dr. Martens.
Winner: EVA
ALT BLK ERA (Inspire Youth Arts, Youth Music NextGen Fund)
Michael Diamond (Youth Music NextGen Fund)
TU3SDAY (Harbourside Artist Management)
Rising Star Award (Industry) sponsored by Songkick.
Winner: Owain Elidir Williams
George Buckthought (Harbourside Artist Management)
Maria Torres (Saffron Sprinboards Project)
Rianne Lewis (Youth Music NextGen Fund)
Outstanding Project Award sponsored by TikTok.
Winner: AutismAble CIC, Future Collaborations
Forté Project, Beacons Cymru
Music in a GP Surgery, Music For Good
Lyricist Award sponsored by PRS For Music and presented by Kojey Radical.
Winner: TL – Time Will Tell
J4 (Romsey Mill)
Qazi & Qazi (Youth Music NextGen Fund)
Social Action Award sponsored by Hal Leonard Europe.
Winner: Pan Intercultural Arts, Amies Freedom Choir
Knife Angel (The Music Works)
Songs & Smiles (The Together Project CIO)