LIVERPOOL RAPPER KOJ WINS AT YOUTH MUSIC AWARDS 2026

Last night, Liverpool rapper KOJ was crowned the winner of the Lyricist Award sponsored by PRS for Music at the annual Youth Music Awards 2026 in association with Wingstop, the biggest night in grassroots music.

In Youth Music Awards’ landmark debut year outside of London, it was Liverpool’s St. George’s Hall that hosted the historic and inspiring night that saw this year’s winners be crowned, and celebrate the artists, innovators, and projects that continue to shape the future of British music and drive a more diverse, inclusive, and creative culture in the industry. Hosted by Crystal Raybe and Success Ariyibi, the Awards delivered another important, impactful and inspiring evening at a time where support from grassroots music has never been more vital.

KOJ is a Liverpool rapper whose powerful blend of grime, rap and punk has made him one of the city’s most exciting emerging voices. Known for his raw storytelling, social commentary and emotionally honest lyricism, he creates music that speaks to the realities of modern Britain. Supported by BBC Radio 1Xtra, Spotify, Apple Music and major music publications, KOJ’s acclaimed debut EP ‘Villain With A Conscience’ established him as an artist unafraid to challenge, connect and inspire through his music.

KOJ opened the ceremony with his phenomenally moving track ‘Humble Abode’, exclusively written and recorded to open the Youth Music Awards. Created to set the tone of the evening ahead, it highlighted the national charity’s important messaging, and acted as a rallying cry for better grassroots music support in the industry. As the video came to an emotional and inspiring end, KOJ arrived on stage to perform live renditions of his tracks ‘A Roadman’s Tale of Home’ and ‘Punk Panther’.

The stunning video was predominantly shot in St George’s Hall, where the Awards took place last night, and visually and metaphorically encapsulates the blood, sweat and tears that are required for young people to break into the music industry, the determination and perseverance KOJ has shown to his artistry despite the hurdles he and other young people continue to face, and highlighted the ongoing regional disparity in the music industry.

The video also features footage from some of Youth Music’s funded partners in Liverpool and Merseyside, including the Merseyside Youth Association, 20 Stories High,  Rule of Threes, and Sound City, and ends on the culmination of the masterpiece created throughout the video, a mural of expressionist brush strokes has painted a loud and clear message inspired by his lyrics: talent won’t grow if we’re not shown.

Accepting the award, KOJ dedicated the award to his late Uncle John and went on to say:

“I’ll be honest with you, this has been an uphill battle for me from the get go, my time in the music scene, and while I don’t cry about it, I have to acknowledge how hard it can be coming back from all the knockbacks that you go through. But I never gave up, and I think more importantly, there are people in my life who never gave up on me, no matter what the circumstances… I’m immensely proud of this moment”

The Youth Music Awards are judged by an incredible panel of more than 60 people from across music, media and technology, representing organisations including Apple, Meta, Sony Music, Spotify, Universal Music Group and YouTube. Artist judges included BRIT Award winner Myles Smith, DJ duo BICEP, Sister Bliss of Faithless, BBC Radio 1Xtra and BBC Introducing presenters Snoochie Shy and Jess Iszatt, and Youth Music alumni ALT BLK ERA, Emily Makis and LockdownT.

Now in its seventh year, the awards continue to celebrate and platform the trailblazing entrepreneurs, grassroots projects and young leaders shaping the scene. After six years in London, the awards moved to Liverpool for the very first time this year. The landmark move to Liverpool, a UNESCO City of Music, signalled a defining moment for the Awards and the wider grassroots sector. With 86% of Youth Music funding supporting organisations outside the capital, bringing the ceremony to Liverpool addresses the growing demand across the North, where waiting lists for funded projects stand 20% higher than in the South.

Spanning 11 categories, the awards highlight emerging talent and grassroots music projects across the UK, covering both artistic and industry roles. Each of the 11 awards were sponsored by some of the UK’s most prolific music, fashion and culture brands including: Empire, Kickers, Notion, Skiddle, PRS for Music, Elephant Music, Arts Council England, Rocksteady, Hal Leonard, AQA and the Mu.

Adam Joolia, CEO at Youth Music said:

“The grassroots music ecosystem is more than just a talent pipeline. It’s about who gets to take part, empowerment, connection and joy. Grassroots music doesn’t start with a stage or a venue. It starts at the places we celebrate at the Youth Music Awards: the youth clubs, community centres and projects. These are the breeding grounds for new music genres, sounds and movements that shape and evolve UK music culture from the grassroots.

“It’s an honour to recognise so many inspiring young people at this year’s Awards. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees!”