Breadcrumb Home Rising Star Award (Artist) 2026 Spons... Copy URL https://www.youthmusic.org.uk/rising-star-award-artist-2026-sponsored-empire Rising Star Award (Artist) 2026 Sponsored by Empire For a rising musical group or solo artist that is making waves in the music industry. Copy URL https://www.youthmusic.org.uk/rising-star-award-artist-2026-sponsored-empire Rising Star Award (Artist) 2026 Sponsored by Empire For a rising musical group or solo artist that is making waves in the music industry. The Sponsor Image The Nominees HULTON (he/him)Youth Music NextGen Fund, South EastHULTON is a bilingual rapper whose relentless work ethic, high-energy performances and honest storytelling have made him one of the UK’s most exciting emerging artists. Drawing inspiration from modern UK rap, he has built a growing audience through sheer determination, earning support from BBC Radio 1Xtra, Kiss and Rinse FM, while performing at festivals including Glastonbury, The Great Escape and Boardmasters. With millions of streams, viral social media success and a completely independent approach, HULTON is proving that consistency, resilience and self-belief can turn ambition into momentum. Livvy K (she/her)Youth Music NextGen Fund, North WestLivvy K is a Liverpool-born pop artist whose emotionally honest songwriting blends R&B, dance and experimental influences with infectious hooks and uplifting energy. In the past year, she released her debut EP ‘Finally Free, Finally Me’, earned support from BBC Introducing and BBC Radio, sold out her first headline show, and performed alongside artists including Gloria Gaynor, Sigala and MORGAN. Livvy K is quickly building a reputation as one of the North West’s most exciting emerging talents, bringing confidence, authenticity and ambition to everything she creates. Marz Fay (she/her)Youth Music NextGen Fund, LondonMarz Fay’s atmospheric blend of alternative trap, hypnotic melodies and heartfelt storytelling has earned more than one million streams in the past year. Building her career entirely on her own terms, she writes, records and releases her music while cultivating a dedicated fan community known as the “Marzians”. Her music has featured in multiple Netflix productions, and she has performed at New Gen Festival and the National Theatre. With sold-out headline shows, viral moments and a growing international audience, Marz Fay is emerging as one of the UK’s most exciting rising artists. Righteous Reck (he/him)Youth Music NextGen Fund, LondonRighteous Reck is an artist, producer and creative facilitator whose work bridges music, education and community. After teaching himself music production as a teenager, he built an independent career spanning performance, content creation and youth engagement. Alongside growing a substantial online following and gaining recognition for his music, he has delivered workshops for hundreds of young people, using music as a tool for confidence, creativity and self-expression. By creating opportunities both on and off stage, Righteous Reck is helping shape a more inclusive and connected future for UK rap and grassroots music. Roukaya B (she/her)Youth Music NextGen Fund, North WestRoukaya B is a soulful singer, songwriter and musician from Salford whose music blends soul, jazz and rap with a distinctive “analogue in a digital world” sound. A compelling live performer, she has appeared at venues including the AO Arena, Aviva Studios and Soho House, while also fronting major campaigns for Manchester United, Adidas and The Stone Roses. From national television appearances to headline shows and radio support, Roukaya B is quickly establishing herself as one of the North West’s most exciting emerging artists, combining authenticity, ambition and a powerful artistic voice.
