This year will also see the Music Producer Award named in honour of Maxi Jazz, with bandmate Sister Bliss presenting the award on the night. Bliss commented:

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.

Sister Bliss
Faithless

The Nominees

Afromerm (she/her)

Youth Music Nextgen Fund, London

afromerm is the Oram Award-winning project of Cecilia Morgan, a London-based producer and sound artist blending electronic textures, live instrumentation, and her motion-reactive instrument, Juniper. Her track “reciprocity” showcases intricate sound design, improvisational vocals, and experimental techniques. With features on BBC Radio 1 and performances at London Jazz Festival, afromerm is redefining music production through innovation, accessibility, and deeply immersive sonic storytelling.

Afromerm with long curly hair wearing a strapless floral dress, standing outdoors in a lush garden setting with arms outstretched, surrounded by trees and wildflowers.

The Yard Woman (she/her)

Youth Music Nextgen Fund, London

The Yard Woman is a London-based producer and DJ blending techno with global influences and experimental sound design. Winner of Tomorrowland’s 2024 mix competition and mentored by Richie Hawtin, her track “Habibti” fuses Middle Eastern textures with innovative techniques like knife-sample synthesis. With BBC Radio 1 support, global performances, and a catalogue used by over 10K creators via Epidemic Sound, she’s redefining electronic music with bold, cinematic flair.

Girl in dustry pink jacket, white shirt, ponytail as a tie, leans against a hedge and looks pensively to the right of screen

Sweet Philly (they/he)

Youth Music Nextgen Fund, Scotland

Sweet Philly is a Dublin-born, Edinburgh-based producer, DJ, and sound engineer exploring the euphoria of queer club culture through genre-blending, emotionally charged electronic music. Their Youth Music-funded EP ‘Strobelight Specimen’ earned acclaim from DJ Mag and BBC Radio 6. With a decade of DIY production, Philly’s work fuses UK bass, techno, ambient, and Irish traditional influences - crafting immersive, high-energy soundscapes that celebrate identity, resilience, and dancefloor connection.

Person with a jacket and scarf inside a thin circle of blue/green light, wearing sunglasses, looking at the camera