Young Leader Award sponsored by Rocksteady

Rocksteady’s mission is simple: to empower as many children as possible and transform their lives through progressive and inclusive music education. We do this by delivering in-school band lessons, teaching tens of thousands of children every week in thousands of schools.

We aim to make music accessible to more children so they can experience the transformative power of learning an instrument. Through this inclusive approach, we deliver more than £2 million pounds worth of free teaching every year in schools and charities across the country.

With hundreds of Rocksteady band leaders working across the country to deliver fun and inspiring music lessons, we are also the UK’s biggest employer of full-time, permanent musicians!

For a young person who has demonstrated great leadership skills as a project participant. If you work on the project, please apply for the Inspirational Music Leader.

WINNER

Toni Olabanji

Rap Club Productions C.I.C, London

Toni (aka TSTIZZ) is a rapper, actor and youth leader. Having led performances to thousands at the Royal Albert Hall and Trafalgar Square, he’s gone viral on TikTok both individually and as Associate Director of the Spit Game collective, alongside pursuing acting and film production. Toni also runs rap clubs in and outside of schools across London, representing and developing the potential within his communities.

Liam Bowles

Sound Communities, South West

Liam (AKA Bowlzy) has inspired hundreds of young people across South Devon, working with Sound Communities for half a decade. Harnessing his personal experiences has enabled him to change lives, running sessions in prisons, schools and youth clubs. He also leads youth-led Oceanside Records, where he performs at festivals and releases music to promote the voices of marginalised young people.

Mackenzie Edmondson

The Music Works, South West

Mackenzie been stepping into leadership roles since they were 10 years old. From teaching martial arts to other young people to volunteering with Scouts, they have also qualified as a First Aider with St John Ambulance. After battling mental health challenges, they volunteer at The Music Works as a Music Leader, where they build confidence and support young people to overcome barriers.