Original Track Award (Solo) 2026

The Nominees

BEASTIE (he/him) - Pilot

Youth Music NextGen Fund, London

BEASTIE is a London-based artist, producer and vocalist who writes, produces and engineers his own music. “Pilot” is a hypnotic blend of African disco influences, psychedelic production and alternative R&B, capturing the thrill of letting go and living in the moment, pairing lush, immersive soundscapes with effortlessly flowing vocals. Inspired by the idea of a “rave in the jungle”, the song balances freedom and escapism with emotional depth.

Bethane (she/her) - Homebird

Noise, Merseyside Youth Association, North West

Liverpool-based soul artist Bethane’s song “Homebird” is a reflection on belonging and the courage it takes to step beyond your comfort zone. Blending heartfelt songwriting with Bethane’s rich, emotionally charged vocals, the track explores the tension between staying rooted and chasing your ambitions. Honest, relatable and deeply personal, “Homebird” captures the experience of anyone who has ever felt torn between where they come from and where they dream of being.

Hana (she/her) - Can You Understand Me?

Youth Music NextGen Fund, London

Hana blends neo-soul, R&B and Arabic influences to create music that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. Her track explores identity, belonging and the experience of growing up between cultures, pairing introspective lyrics with rich instrumentation including oud, tabla, violin and contemporary soul production. Drawing on her British and Egyptian heritage, Hana turns a personal search for self-understanding into a powerful reflection on culture, connection and finding your place in the world.

Shiloh (she/her) - Chase

Youth Music Incubator, Phlexx & Mimm Collective, East Midlands

“Chase” is a soulful, heartfelt track from Nottingham artist Shiloh that captures the emotional push and pull of loving someone who always feels just out of reach. Blending powerful storytelling with rich melodies, the song explores devotion, frustration and hope in equal measure. Written from personal experience and shaped through close collaboration with fellow musicians, “Chase” combines intimacy and urgency to create a striking reflection on longing, connection and the ties that keep drawing us back.

ONYINYÉ (she/her) - SHE’S BAAAACK

Youth Music NextGen Fund, West Midlands

ONYINYÉ’s music draws on ancestry, spirituality and self-discovery to create a sound that is uniquely her own. Blending influences from neo-soul, hip-hop, jazz, Afrobeat and Irish musical traditions, she explores identity, culture and belonging with honesty and imagination. “SHE’S BAAAACK” is a bold celebration of self-belief, confidence and creative freedom, combining playful lyricism with sharp rap delivery.

YV Shells (he/him) - Re-Up

Youth Music NextGen Fund, London

YV Shells is a London artist, producer and multidisciplinary creative whose work spans music, film and visual art. A self-taught musician who writes, produces and performs his own music, he blends thoughtful lyricism with live instrumentation to explore relationships, identity and the human experience. “Re-Up” reflects on the addictive pull of a past relationship, pairing emotionally honest songwriting with rich, collaborative production featuring leading UK musicians. Drawing inspiration from music, fashion and film, YV creates work that is both deeply personal and creatively ambitious.