The Music Producers Guild (MPG) has today announced its new Impact Award, which it has given to War Child’s Help(2) album.
The Impact Award has been launched for 2026 to recognise music projects that deliver meaningful social and cultural impact through the craft and collaboration of music production.
War Child UK’s Help(2) is a major charity release which brought together artists, producers and studios in support of the 520 million children around the world who are affected by conflict. On Friday (March 13), the record reached No.1 on the Compilations Chart, achieving the same feat of its 1995 predecessor.
Help(2) was helmed by executive producer James Ford, and Toby L (Transgressive) as A&R director and co-producer on some of the album material.
The A&R Team also comprised Luke Williams from This is Music Ltd – the company that represents Ford – plus the project’s management team, Music Week Awards 2025 Strat winner, Ian McAndrew, and Emma Greengrass of Wildlife Entertainment. Visuals and creative direction were courtesy of Jonathan Glazer, while the album was distributed by Beggars.
MPG has also revealed that War Child will be the official charity partner for the 2026 MPG Awards.
We couldn't be more proud to be taking home the inaugural Impact award for Help(2). This record is more than an album; it’s a celebration of the collective spirit of the music industry
Rich Clarke
Rich Clarke, head of music, War Child UK, said: “It's an honour to be partnering with the MPG Awards this year and we couldn't be more proud to be taking home the inaugural Impact award for Help(2). This record is more than an album; it’s a celebration of the collective spirit of the music industry. I feel very privileged to have witnessed this brilliant community of producers coming together as one with James Ford to deliver such a momentous album.
“The producers, mixers, and recording engineers who rallied to the call to make this happen are remarkable. They have created something extraordinary that will continue to make tangible change for children whose lives have been torn apart by war are extraordinary, and we're so happy that their work, talent, and commitment to making a positive difference in the world is being recognised with this award.”
A Music Producers Guild spokesperson added: “The MPG Impact Award has been created to recognise projects that demonstrate how music production can make a meaningful difference beyond the studio. Help(2) is a remarkable example of the production community coming together to support an important cause, and we’re proud to recognise War Child’s work while also welcoming them as our charity partner for the 2026 MPG Awards.”
The Impact Award is the final gifted award to be announced ahead of this year’s ceremony, with the remaining category winners revealed live at the ceremony on April 16 at The Troxy in London.
Artwork: Jonathan Glazer
