afromerm

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. 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.

Youth Music NextGen Fund, South East

Boudicca is a bold lyricist and activist who blends rap spoken word, and raw emotion, Boudicca uses her music to amplify underrepresented voices and drive social change. Sshe channels lived experience into powerful, thought-provoking lyrics that connect deeply with audiences.

Grounded Sounds/Raw Material Music & Media, London

Expect a soulful, genre-blending collaboration from Dia Day and Shogun Shato, fusing neo-soul, hip-hop, and jazz with poetic lyricism and live instrumentation. Born from Youth Music-funded projects and a shared commitment to community, their music explores love, patience, and self-reflection. With BBC Introducing support and standout live performances, their pairing is a testament to the power of collaboration, mentorship, and artistic growth in the UK’s emerging music scene.

JayaHadADream

Youth Music NextGen Fund, East of England

JayaHadADream is a Jamaican-Irish rapper whose introspective, politically charged lyrics and genre-blending sound have earned her national acclaim. Winner of Glastonbury’s 2024 Emerging Talent Competition, she draws from personal experience and cultural heritage to crafts powerful narratives that resonate deeply - cementing her as one of the UK’s most compelling new lyricists. 

Rivkala

First Notes, Generator, Newcastle

Rivkala is a bold jazz artist and storyteller, blending cabaret flair with sharp social commentary. Inspired by Nina Simone and Amy Winehouse and with performances at BBC Proms, Radio 3, and MOBO Fringe, Rivkala’s genre-bending sound and fearless lyricism mark her as a rising voice redefining jazz for a new generation.

Youth Music NextGen Fund, London

Saloni is a British-Asian artist redefining pop with a bold fusion of R&B, Bollywood, and multilingual flair. Singing in both Hindi and English, she celebrates empowerment and cultural pride. With viral hits, chart-topping releases, and standout performances at venues like Wembley Arena, Saloni is a trailblazer representing South Asian identity on global stages through her vibrant, genre-blending sound.

Launchpad, Yorkshire & The Humber

The 113 is a conjuration of a dark and visceral post-punk. The genre-bending project combines heavy guitars and racing rhythms, with cathartic and emphatic melodies. Pounding through flesh and bone, their music is overwhelming and their songs are absolute bangers, but not exclusively suited for the dancefloor. The 113 is as much for the mosh pit kids in the front, as for the timid music freaks in the back.