The Young Leader Award is sponsored by PPL
PPL licenses recorded music in the UK when it is played in public or broadcast and ensures that revenue flows back to our members. These include independent and major record companies, together with performers ranging from emerging musicians to globally renowned artists. In 2021 we collected £252.8 million while also distributing money to 147,000 performers and recording rightsholders.
For a young person who has demonstrated great leadership skills as a project participant.
Meet the winner...
Kavyan Hajirostami
Big Leaf Foundation, Music Connects (South East)
As a child, Kavyan learnt to perform on the daf – a percussion instrument popular in Iran where he grew up. Due to political unrest in the area, he was forced to leave his home and take on the perilous journey alone to seek refuge in the UK. During that time, he has learnt a new language and had to adjust to a new culture. Within the Music Connects programme, Kavyan uses his talent as a daf player and excites other musicians to learn about Iranian instruments. He has created a space within the project for young people who want to tell their stories to do so, showing superb leadership.
Amber Skye Higginson
Jamming Station, Beats and Streets (South West)
Growing up with Tourette's, amongst other medical, neurological and mental health conditions, Amber Skye found sanctuary within writing lyrics and finding respite within piano and guitar. They have facilitated sessions for young people at Jamming Station, supporting the team with song-writing sessions over the second lockdown and further workshops since then for people aged 3 to 50 years old. They have worked in SEN schools, care homes and hospices, bringing engagement, commitment, integrity, care and compassion to all their work and raising awareness of diversity and disability for the future generations.
Isaiah La Touche
Rap Club Productions C.I.C, Kingdom - Levelling Up (London)
Isaiah is a talented bass player with a passion for the music industry. At the age of just 16, he has taken on leadership of his own Rap Club Communities, organising and leading sessions in studios, video shoots and community/wellbeing programmes for his peers and in particular those younger than him aged 11-16. Alongside this, he has taken on the role of Assistant Manager at Kingdom, who provide in-house artist management, and in this role he has led negotiations with major labels including Sony and Dream Life Records.
Youth Music Awards 2022
The Youth Music Awards celebrates the most forward-thinking projects and people making, learning and earning in music. From artists and entrepreneurs to grassroots projects and young leaders, the event recognises an exciting range of trailblazers from across the scene.
Young Leader Award supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery
For a young person (aged 25 or below) who has demonstrated great leadership skills. This might be a participant who has now joined the workforce, or a young musician who has been an integral part of the project.
Youth Music Awards 2022 Judges
Check out which music industry figures was on the roster in 2022 judging our music categories.