JayaHadADream and English Teacher were among the winners at the Youth Music Awards.
The charity, which helps young people to make and monetise music, has staged the awards for six years to recognise forward-thinking projects from across the music sector. Winners range from artists and entrepreneurs to grassroots projects and young leaders.
The Youth Music Awards 2025, in association with Hal Leonard Europe, was held at London’s Troxy (October 14).
Winners were chosen by a panel of industry experts, including Tinie Tempah, DJ duo Bicep, MOBO and Women In Music winners Alt Blk Era, and radio presenters Jess Iszatt and Jodie Bryant.
Jamaican-Irish rapper JayaHadADream was the night’s biggest winner, taking home both the Rising Star Award (Artist) and Lyricist Award. It follows wins at Glastonbury’s Emerging Talent Competition and festival performances including Reading, Leeds and Boomtown.
JayaHadADream also performed at the ceremony, alongside fellow award winners Dia Day & Shogun Shato (Original Track Award – Group), Afromerm (Music Producer Award) and Rivkala (Music Video Award).
Previous Youth Music Award winners English Teacher were named as recipients of this year’s Grassroots Hero Award. The award recognises their commitment to highlighting the importance of grassroots music venues and the entire grassroots music scene.
English Teacher said: “We want to say a massive thanks to Youth Music for giving us this award and for supporting us on this weird and wonderful journey. The projects funded by Youth Music, which we’ve been lucky enough to benefit from, need continued funding to carry on their vital work and to keep creating opportunities for young people.”
This year saw the Music Producer Award named in memory of Maxi Jazz, with bandmate Sister Bliss presenting the award to Afromerm on the night.
Sister Bliss said: “I wanted to partner with Youth Music because the work they do, giving young people in challenging circumstances the opportunity to take part in music-making projects is simply invaluable. Music changed our lives, and we were part of a generation lucky enough to have some music provision in schools.
“That has now all but disappeared, remaining only for the privileged few. I wanted the award in Maxi’s name to inspire the next generation and remind us of his legacy. He was an extraordinary ordinary South London boy, and he would absolutely support the belief that access to music education and mentorship is essential for our communities, and for nourishing our connection to each other and to joy itself."
Alongside the awards, Youth Music is calling on the industry to ‘Rescue the Roots’. With 41% of grassroots projects at risk of closure, the campaign aims to raise £1 million to protect the youth music scene – with every pound matched by Youth Music.
Youth Music CEO, Matt Griffiths, said: “The Youth Music Awards is always a powerful reminder of what happens when young people are given the chance to create. The artists and leaders we celebrate tonight are shaping the future of music at its roots.
“At a time when grassroots projects face a major funding crisis, showcasing their impact has never been more vital. The energy, talent and ambition in this room are proof of why these spaces matter. I’d like to extend a huge congratulations to all of tonight’s winners and the incredible artists who were shortlisted.”
Oliver Winstone, head of business development at Hal Leonard Europe, said: “Hal Leonard Europe is proud to continue our partnership with Youth Music for the sixth year running. These Awards are a testament to the extraordinary creativity and resilience of young people across the UK. By supporting grassroots projects and NextGen talent, we’re helping to ensure that the future of music is diverse, inclusive, and thriving. Congratulations to all the incredible winners and nominees.”
This year’s award winners include:
Grassroots Hero Award sponsored by Levi’s - English Teacher
Inspirational Music Leader Award sponsored by the Musicians Union - Charlie Baxter (The Music Works)
Outstanding Project Award sponsored by Rocksteady Music School - Soundabout Emerging Leaders, Soundabout
Rising Star Award (Industry) supported by the players of People’s Postcode Lottery - Rightkeysonly (Sound Progression and Youth Music Wales)
Social Action Award sponsored by Hal Leonard Europe - Art Against Knives, THE LAB
Young Leader Award supported by Arts Council England - Miri Layzell (AudioActive)
Lyricist Award sponsored by PRS for Music - JayaHadADream (Youth Music NextGen Fund)
Music Video Award supported by Notion - Rivkala – Chess (Youth Music Generator Fund)
Original Track Award (Group) sponsored by Marshall Amplification - Dia Day & Shogun Shato – Green Tea (Grounded Sounds, Raw Material Music & Media)
Original Track Award (Solo) supported by DMS Vinyl - Coupdekat – M.I.A (Youth Music NextGen Fund)
Rising Star Award (Artist) supported by Pirate - JayaHadADream (Youth Music NextGen Fund)
Music Producer Award in memory of Maxi Jazz, presented by Sister Bliss - Afromerm (Youth Music NextGen Fund)
