For over half a decade, the Youth Music Awards have served as a cornerstone of the UK’s grassroots music calendar. As the event enters its seventh year, the Youth Music Awards 2026 will relocate to Liverpool—a city synonymous with musical innovation—to honor the artists, organizations, and projects defining the future of the industry at a time when supporting grassroots music is more vital than ever.
The Significance of Grassroots Support
On October 28th, Liverpool’s St George’s Hall will host over 40 nominees across 11 categories. From lyricism to outstanding community projects, the awards highlight the profound impact of the grassroots scene. The Rising Star Artist Award, in particular, has become a reliable barometer for future success. Previous recipients include English Teacher, who secured the gong in 2022 before winning the Mercury Prize in 2024, and JayaHadADream. These names join the ranks of alumni like Sam Fender and Ezra Collective, both of whom benefited from Youth Music-funded initiatives early in their careers.
The Rising Star Artist award, sponsored by Empire, serves as a powerful reminder of the emerging talent currently surfacing through the UK’s grassroots infrastructure. This year’s five nominees represent the vanguard of this movement.
HULTON
A 22-year-old bilingual rapper from the South East, HULTON has carved a niche through high-energy performances and raw storytelling. Operating entirely independently, he has built a discography with over 3 million streams to date. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Central Cee and Skepta, HULTON has earned support from BBC Radio 1Xtra and Rinse FM, while his live portfolio already includes appearances at Glastonbury, The Great Escape, and Boardmasters.
Livvy K
Representing the North West, Liverpool’s own Livvy K seamlessly blends R&B and pop with experimental production. Her debut EP, Finally Free, Finally Me, was supported by the NextGen fund and led to sold-out headline shows and festival slots alongside icons like Gloria Gaynor. Mentored by industry veterans Kwame Kwaten and Kenny Barber, she remains one of the most ambitious voices in the region and is set to perform live at the ceremony.
Marz Fay
London-based Marz Fay is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist and engineer known for atmospheric trap and cinematic compositions. With an independent catalogue of 54 tracks recorded in her bedroom studio, her music has found a global audience through sync placements in major Netflix productions and ITV’s Love Island. Her introspective songwriting and ambient production have earned her a reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting rising artists.
Righteous Reck
Righteous Reck combines his career as a producer and rapper with a dedication to community facilitation. Leading workshops across London, he uses music to empower young people through production and songwriting. His independent career is marked by multi-million video views and a reputation for high-energy live performances that bridge the gap between art and social impact. He will also be performing live at the upcoming awards.
Roukaya B
Salford’s Roukaya B describes her sound as “analogue in a digital world,” fusing soul, jazz, and rap. Since her television debut at 18, she has performed at the AO Arena and fronted campaigns for global brands like Adidas and Manchester United. Her powerful artistic voice and compelling live presence make her a standout nominee in this year’s North West contingent.