Liverpool Rapper KOJ Releases Powerful New Track ‘Humble Abode’ Exclusively For Youth Music Awards 2026
Liverpool rapper KOJ has unveiled a powerful new track, Humble Abode, exclusively written and recorded for the Youth Music Awards 2026, which took place at St George’s Hall in Liverpool.
The track opened the awards ceremony with an emotional video highlighting the challenges young artists face when trying to break into the music industry, while calling for greater investment and support for grassroots music.
The accompanying video, produced by Tell Studio, is now available to watch online, offering a striking visual representation of the determination, setbacks and perseverance involved in pursuing a career in music.
A Powerful Message About Grassroots Music
Filmed predominantly inside Liverpool’s iconic St George’s Hall, the Humble Abode video explores the barriers facing emerging musicians, including the regional inequalities that continue to affect opportunities within the UK music industry.
The video features footage from several Youth Music-funded organisations across Merseyside, including Merseyside Youth Association, 20 Stories High, Rule of Threes and Sound City.
Throughout the film, a mural gradually takes shape, culminating in a message that captures the central theme of the track: “Talent won’t grow if we’re not shown.”
As the video reached its emotional conclusion during the awards ceremony, KOJ appeared on stage to deliver a live performance of the track.
KOJ – Humble Abode (Official Video)
KOJ Wins Lyricist Award at Youth Music Awards 2026
It proved to be a memorable evening for KOJ, who later returned to the stage to collect the Lyricist Award, sponsored by PRS for Music.
Known for blending grime, rap and punk with honest storytelling and social commentary, the Liverpool artist has steadily established himself as one of the city’s most distinctive emerging musical voices.
His debut EP, Villain With A Conscience, attracted support from BBC Radio 1Xtra, Spotify, Apple Music and music publications, helping to build his reputation as an artist willing to tackle challenging subjects through his lyrics.
Accepting his award, KOJ dedicated the achievement to his late Uncle John and reflected on the difficulties he has faced throughout his career.
“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.”
Youth Music Awards Make Historic Liverpool Debut
The 2026 Youth Music Awards marked a significant milestone for the organisation, with the ceremony taking place outside London for the first time in its seven-year history.
Hosted by Crystal Raybe and Success Ariyibi, the event celebrated emerging artists, creative innovators, grassroots organisations and young leaders helping to shape the future of British music.
Liverpool’s status as a UNESCO City of Music provided a fitting backdrop for the ceremony, which highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for young musicians across the country.
The decision to bring the awards to Liverpool also reflected the geographical reach of Youth Music’s work. According to the charity, 86% of its funding supports organisations outside London, while waiting lists for funded projects in the North are 20% higher than in the South.
With grassroots organisations facing increasing demand, the awards provided an opportunity to recognise the people and projects helping young musicians develop their skills, confidence and careers.
Celebrating the Next Generation of UK Music Talent
The Youth Music Awards 2026 recognised talent and grassroots projects across 11 categories, with winners including Rianne Lewis, Abi Johnson, Ria Leah, TRXTH & RHIA, Hillarynx, IMVN, BEASTIE and Righteous Reck.
North West-based organisation TiPP also received the Social Action Award for its Rhythm and Renewal project, which uses music and creative activities to support young people involved in the youth justice system.
The winners were selected by a judging panel of more than 60 representatives from music, media and technology, including figures from Spotify, Apple, Sony Music, Universal Music Group and YouTube.
For KOJ, the evening represented both personal recognition and an opportunity to draw attention to the wider challenges facing young musicians.
Through Humble Abode, the Liverpool rapper has delivered a message about the importance of grassroots support, reminding the industry that talent needs opportunities, investment and encouragement to thrive.
Watch KOJ’s new video for Humble Abode on YouTube or find out more about the awards at Youth Music.
Follow @punkpantherkoj on Instagram for updates.
