Rivkala, a Newcastle-based jazz artist, has been named the winner of the Music Video Award, supported by Notion, at the annual Youth Music Awards 2025 in association with Hal Leonard Europe.
Rivkala received the award at the event, held at Troxy, London, for her Chess music video, inspired by the raw, emotive and irreverent social commentary of Nina Simone, Carole King and Amy Winehouse. This win follows a stellar year for Rivkala, having been named One to Watch for 2025 by BBC Introducing NE, performing with her band at BBC Proms 2024, and giving her debut TV performance on Look North in connection with the MOBO Fringe festival. With her debut EP release just around the corner, Rivkala’s captivating cabaret is coming to cities across the UK throughout this year.
Discussing her award win, Rivkala says: “It feels surreal. Winning a Youth Music award is amazing. Youth Music does incredible things to support creatives and young people. I’m so grateful for the support that they’ve given me in my career so far, and it’s completely changed the trajectory of it.”
Now in its 6th year, the awards celebrate the trailblazing entrepreneurs, grassroots projects and young leaders shaping the scene. Winners were chosen by an esteemed panel of industry experts, including Pass Out singer Tinie Tempah, DJ duo BICEP, MOBO Award-winning ALT BLK ERA, and radio presenters Jess Iszatt and Jodie Bryant.
Alongside the awards, Youth Music is calling on the industry to Rescue the Roots. With 41% of vital grassroots projects at risk of closure, the campaign aims to raise £1 million to protect the youth music scene – with every pound matched by Youth Music.
Each of the 12 awards were sponsored by some of the UK’s most prolific music, fashion and culture brands, including NOTION, Levi’s, Marshall Amplification, Wingstop, PRS for Music and Pirate.
Youth Music CEO, Matt Griffiths, said: “The Youth Music Awards is always a powerful reminder of what happens when young people are given the chance to create. The artists and leaders we celebrate tonight are shaping the future of music at its roots.
At a time when grassroots projects face a major funding crisis, showcasing their impact has never been more vital. The energy, talent and ambition in this room are proof of why these spaces matter. I’d like to extend a huge congratulations to all of tonight’s winners and the incredible artists who were shortlisted.”
Next year will see the awards move out of London for the first time to the Northwest, where Youth Music has invested over £1.1million in 23 different grassroots music projects over the past year, supporting over 6,000 young people.