Youth Music, the UK’s leading young people’s music charity, has revealed its Ones To Watch in 2026.
The list spotlights 20 emerging artists who are tipped for success in the music industry.
Youth Music’s Ones To Watch list has a track record of identifying future breakthrough stars. Acts featured in past lists include Alt Blk Era, JayaHadADream and Mali Hâf.
Artists are chosen from a pool of creatives in receipt of Youth Music’s NextGen Fund, backed by Wingstop, which provides financial support, networking opportunities, paid roles and training for young people facing barriers to progressing in music.
Youth Music’s Ones To Watch 2026 artists are:
Adjua – indie R&B, Afro, jazz and neo-soul artist based in Cardiff
Afromerm – South London-born sound artist, composer, producer and poet
Akam – multidisciplinary artist from Manchester
Alika – South-West based artist and producer making R&B and pop music
Beastie – producer-vocalist from London, blending alternative R&B, hip-hop and electronic sounds
Damsel Elysium – multi-instrumentalist, composer, experimental sound, visual and performance artist based in London
Eden J Howells – alternative folk-rock musician based in London
Exojay – R&B and rap artist based between London and Nottingham
Gabriella Bongo – jungle/DnB songwriter, producer, DJ and recording engineer from London
IBack – independent rap artist from Kent
Jasmin Jet – soul singer, songwriter, producer, winner of Greene King Untapped
Koba Sno – experimental pop and electronic artist, producer and choreographer based in London
Leo Miyagee – Belfast-based rap artist
May0 – Afrobeats artist from the West Midlands
Melba – DJ, producer and club night founder from Newcastle
Rivkala – Manchester-born, North-East based artist with jazz and neo-soul rooting.
Ronn – musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, specialising in rap, songwriting and music production
Shogun Shato – South-London based rapper
Superlate – dance and pop producer based in Liverpool
The Yard Woman – Greek-born, London-based electronic DJ and producer
“The 2026 cohort reflects the breadth of contemporary UK music and the diverse range of artists Youth Music supports, spanning genres including R&B, Afrobeats, jazz and soul, to dance, jungle, pop, folk-rock and rap,” said a statement.
The Wingstop restaurant chain is continuing its investment to expand the Youth Music NextGen Fund and events programme, as well as supporting a Ones To Watch writing camp for 20 artists from across the UK in February this year.
Guvna B (pictured), Youth Music co-chair, said: “Our Ones To Watch list showcases what the future music industries will look like if we keep investing in underrepresented talent. It’s diverse, unique and exciting, and we can’t wait to see what they go on to achieve. With the crucial support of partners like Wingstop, we can make sure grassroots youth music projects survive and thrive, supporting the next generation of creatives nationwide.”
"Community is in our DNA, so backing the Youth Music NextGen Fund this year was a no-brainer," said Dirujan Sabesan, chief brand officer at Wingstop UK, "Young artists aren’t just shaping culture – they’re driving it forward, creating the sounds and stories that define our communities. That energy is exactly what Wingstop UKI stands for. Music has always been part of our journey, so this partnership felt like a natural fit. We’re proud to play a role in supporting the next generation of talent and look forward to seeing how the ‘Ones To Watch’ go on to make their mark.”
PHOTO: Guvna B (credit: Jasmijn van Buytene)
