Bay rappers scoop top music video award

Torbay-based collective Oceanside Records have been named the winners of the Music Video Award at the Youth Music Awards 2022.

Oceanside Records is a collective of young rappers who want to ensure that Torbay is respected for the amazing music being made there.

'Welcome To Torbay' is a high-energy music video recorded in locations across Torbay. It illustrates what life is like living as a teenager and growing up in the area.

The group recorded in locations around their local area that were important to them and where they felt they had ownership to make a ‘point’ to organisations they felt had let them down.

A panel of expert industry judges – including BRIT-nominated singer-songwriter Mahalia, internationally acclaimed DJ duo BICEP and DJ Sian Eleri voted for Oceanside Records to take home the award, sponsored by YouTube.

Hundreds of guests, including presenter DJ and broadcaster Vick Hope and award-winning UK rap icon Lethal Bizzle, who made a special guest performance to present an award both attended the ceremony, and special guest Dréya Mac closed the evening with an incredible performance.

Speaking after winning the award, an Oceanside Records spokesperson said: “We’re all speechless! It’s a madness and is the best feeling we’ve ever had in our lives.

“The music video was pieced together from different locations in our home town that means something to all of us and it just shows you should follow your gut feeling and keep going.”

Youth Music is the UK’s leading music and young people charity, championing equal access to making, learning, and earning in music for 20 years.

The awards - in association with Hal Leonard Europe at London’s legendary Troxy venue - represent a more diverse, more inclusive and more creative music industry, by giving young people facing the biggest barriers a platform to accessing music.

The annual event celebrates a more diverse future of music, platforming emerging talent and leaders who might face barriers into the industries because of who they are, where they’re from or what they’re going through.

With sponsors including TikTok, YouTube, Amazon Music and Dr Martens, the event called for industry-wide collaboration and commitment to equalising access to the music industries for the next generation.

Youth Music CEO Matt Griffiths said: “The Youth Music Awards showcases what can be achieved when we invest in grassroots music nationwide, long-term.

“We’re thankful to all our award nominees, for making the music industries more diverse, more inclusive and more creative every day.

“We hope everyone is as inspired as us to take action to equalise young people’s access to music making, learning and earning.”

Lethal Bizzle said: “It’s amazing to see events like Youth Music Awards pop, these are the things that keep young people motivated and chasing their dreams. I’ve been in the game for over 20 years now and opportunities like this were unheard of when I was starting out.

“My advice is: your drive has to outweigh your talent. Obviously, talent is essential, but drive is what will make you go out and chase your goals. This is why I think this is such a great platform - Youth Music are giving artists opportunities to get recognised and heard.”

For a full list of winners, and for more information head to https://youthmusic.org.uk/awards