🎶 Write the Anthem of a Generation 🎶
Submit Your Original Song for the Global Youth Awards 2025
Are you aged 11–25 and passionate about music, change, or making your voice heard?
We’re calling on young artists, lyricists, and creators from around the world to write a song that speaks to our global generation—a message of unity, courage, creativity, or empowerment.
This is your chance to have your voice heard at one of the most inspiring youth events in the world. Whether you’re a solo songwriter, part of a band, or creating with friends—we want to hear your message.
The Global Youth Awards 2025 will be held 8th November at PRYZM Kingston 12-4pm and showcases youth who are leading inspirational projects for social and environmental impact around the world. The awards are held annually in London in November and live streamed globally to reach the 90+ countries that we have now received nominations from.
This prestigious event, that will have a forest theme this year, in line with our Global Goal of Environmental Regeneration, will showcase an array of talented youth hosts, inspiring artists, nominees who have made significant contributions in various fields, and influential speakers dedicated to empowering younger generations.
Meet the incredible panel of judges, representing a variety of genres across the music industry, that will be judging your submissions below.
Submission Guidelines
Must be original (written by you or your group)
Open to individuals or groups aged 11–25
Submit a rough demo or performance video (professional quality not required)
Include your lyrics and a short note on what inspired the song
Open to all genres and all countries
What Happens Next?
Selected entries will:
Be considered to feature at the Global Youth Awards 2025 event
Have the chance to perform live or be featured digitally during the awards
Receive exposure through the Legacy Project’s global platforms
Be recognised as a Global Youth Voice through our ambassador programme
Deadline: 1st October 2025
Submit your song and story by 1st October 2025 to be part of this global creative movement.
You don’t need a studio. Just heart, vision, and a message the world needs to hear.
Register for your tickets to join us at the Global Youth Awards live in London or via the livestream
Nominate someone for a Global Youth Award today!
Submit Your Song
Meet the Judges
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Ace
Ace is the guitarist in UK rock phenomenon Skunk Anansie.
Formed in 1994, they went on to be one of the biggest rock bands in Britain and Europe throughout the 90’s until still now selling over 6 million records and doing sellout world tours. They still continue to tour and write new music with their own record label, Boogooyamma Records.
Ace has been playing guitar for over 40 years and has been successful in the industry for over 30 of them! He has earned a reputation as being one of the top guitarists in the rock world as well as an author, educator, session player and musical entrepreneur. He has also been producing records professionally since 2001 and has worked on records with many European bands with varied musical styles.
He is currently Head of Industry Partnerships and Business Development at ICMP in London and Associate Professor of Music Industry and was previously Director Of Creative Industry Development at ACM 2015-20.
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Carly Wilford
With her weekly show 4:4 on Tomorrowland One World Radio, Carly Wilford pioneers the first ever dedicated house music show on the station. Marking a pivotal moment for not only the platform but the genre’s global evolution. Riding high in Spotify and Apple Music’s editorial playlists and after a series of standout releases over the last few years, Carly has secured her space as one of the most promising names in dance music. With her music backed by industry heavyweights Green Velvet, Chris Lake, DJPaulette and Vintage Culture, she has released tunes on Toolroom, Armada and Nervous Records as well as collaborating with House music legends Todd Terry & Mr V. Announced as one of the 'Future ofDance’ Top 101 Producers in the world by 1001 Tracklists at Amsterdam Dance Event, the list celebrates artists that have been important in defining the sounds of the electronic music world over the past 12months. With her tunes heavily backed by Radio 1, she opened the Dance Stage at Radio1 Big Weekend in Dundee as well as playing the BBC Radio 1 Dance stage at Glastonbury.
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Indigo Reign
Indigo Reign is a lyricist, mentor, high-energy performer and storyteller who came up through the roots of UK underground music. Formerly known as Lady MC, she made history as one of the first female voices in jungle and drum & bass, holding her own on pirate radio stations like Kool FM and stages with legends like Afrika Bambaataa and DJ SS. Now a resident on Rinse FM, she continues to push boundaries, blending raw truth with cosmic flow.
Her journey’s taken many forms, from tearing up the mic to building spaces for the next generation through Young Urban Arts Foundation (YUAF), the award-winning charity she founded to bring music and creative access to young people shut out by the system. With features on BBC 1Xtra, Kiss FM, and nods including an MBE and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Drum & Bass Awards, Indigo stays grounded in purpose: using music to heal, to rebel, and to open doors for others.
On the panel, Indigo brings sharp ears, lived experience, and a deep respect for craft, but more than anything, she’s here for the ones who use their voice to shift energy and say something real.
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Catherine Taylor-Dawson
‘…. And the more I love me, the more I can love you…’
Soulmate by CTD
Catherine honed her songwriting skills in Sarmwest studios, home to George Michael, Madonna, Grace Jones to name but a few.
Some of her vocal recording collaborations include; Johnny Douglas team at Sarmwest, Jamie T, N-Trance, Ratpack, Baby D, Mikey McCleary, Lempo, Wayne Donnelly, Benny-D, Lord KCB, Scorrcio replays.
Performance collaborations; with Vula, Angie Brown, Lee Ryan, Ashley Taylor Dawson, Chris Fountain,
She has worked as a recording artist & performer now for 25 years and is currently based in Ibiza, performing all over from the beaches to the mountains in various countries. Her proudest release is of her song ‘We are all just human’, which has a poignant video.
Through music, lyrics and energy, it is her passion to shine joy, love & inspiration to the world ….
With music being a beautiful connector & healer, she loves to support young people & has done various songwriting projects, including an ‘Anti-Bullying Campaign’ where she then took the co-writers & song to the local radio to share the good work.
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Syren Rivers
Syren Rivers is a powerhouse vocalist and seasoned creative with over three decades in the music game. Fresh from his standout performance at the Royal Albert Hall with Fabio & Grooverider and the Outlook Orchestra, Syren continues to redefine what vocal artistry looks like across genres. Formerly known as Courtney Dennie, his journey weaves through soul, jazz, D&B, and beyond, collaborating with everyone from Arrow Benjamin to Bryan Gee and Kyoto Jazz Massive, while always holding down a vocal identity that’s unmistakably his.
From early label interest with Sony and Warner to sharing stages with icons like Busta Rhymes, Jodeci, Redman, and James Brown, Syren’s resume reads like a history of modern music, with performances at The Apollo Theater, Blue Note Tokyo, Jazz Cafe, and Coachella to prove it. But accolades aside, what sets Syren apart is his ability to channel lived experience into timeless performance.
On the panel, he brings vocal precision, depth of character, and a sharp instinct for what makes a song connect, not just technically, but emotionally. A true craftsman and a mentor in the truest sense.
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Ellie-Marie Payne
Ellie is a London-based music professional with a rich and varied background spanning performance, live events, and artist development. As both a vocalist and vocal coach, she brings technical expertise and creative intuition to every project she takes on. She is the founder of LiveWorks Presents, a live events company dedicated to curating and managing grassroots music nights that spotlight emerging talent. Her experience also includes working with major industry players such as Live Nation, where she gained hands-on insight into live music operations at large-scale festivals. In addition to her work in events and performance, Ellie is an experienced music educator, mentoring young artists as they build confidence, develop their skills, and take their first steps into the industry. With her broad skill set and deep industry knowledge, Ellie has a sharp eye for talent and a strong understanding of what it takes for artists to thrive in today’s music landscape
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Laura Westcott
Laura Westcott is a classically trained singer and founder of the mental health concert series ‘Music with Meaning’.
She was a reviewer and PR Manager for The Times before starting community interest company Music for Mental Wealth in 2017 to provide well-being support to musicians through coaching and music therapy.
Laura sang with the London Philharmonic Choir for ten years and now sings under the guise ‘Aura’ on several meditation apps for healing and transformation.
Laura manages Braylsham Castle in East Sussex and is a singing tutor for adults and children.
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Tony Moore
Tony Moore is a London based Singer/Songwriter/Performer with an eclectic career in the Music Industry. From being an original member of Iron Maiden, to playing keyboards with iconic 80’s band Cutting Crew (Died In Your Arms), to playing a role in the early careers of many emerging artists including: KT Tunstall, James Morrison, Paolo Nutini, and Ed Sheeran; Tony has been immersed in music on every level.
In 2019 Tony wrote and produced a song called “We Are The Light ” for the closing ceremony of the European Games which he performed live to a packed stadium and an estimated worldwide TV audience in excess of 100 million.
As a writer he has worked with countless Artists, including contributing to Julian Lennon’s recent album JUDE with a song called “Love Never Dies” on which Tony also plays the haunting piano accompaniment for the record.
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Sarah Bee
Meet Sarah Bee — internationally acclaimed DJ with 15 years behind the decks.
Known for her whimsical, eclectic sets that blend old-school house, melodic techno, and global influences, she creates soundscapes that move souls and dancefloors alike.
She is client and the talent, driven by a deep love for music that elevates your mind and soul. This is more than sound—it’s a frequency, a vibe, an experience.
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Erica Jean
Erica Jean is a smiley singer/songwriter and performer from the Midlands. Her bubbly persona transfers into her songs and onstage. Joined by Drums, Bass Guitar and Saxophone, her live performances are fun and full of energy.
Recent shows include The Royal Albert Hall, O2 Academy Birmingham, The Troxy London, and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony.
Erica has been support act for artists like Grammy Award winning Amy Wadge as well as Irish sensation LYRA on her UK Tour. Recently, Erica had the honour of performing alongside Tom Odell in his choir at Alexandra Palace and in his Mahogany Sessions.
She Loves to give back to the community, and has raised over £1000 for WarChild. She frequently supports charities through music like Cancer UK, St Richards Hospice and BBC Children in Need.