Kojey Radical Honored With Trailblazer Award at Billboard U.K.’s Inaugural 40 Under 40 Event
The event took place at the Beyond The Music conference in Salford.
Billboard U.K. celebrated its inaugural 40 Under 40 honors event on Wednesday, October 7 in Salford, aiming to recognize the talented young industry leaders shaping the U.K. music scene. The invite-only ceremony took place at Media City, just outside of Manchester, and honored the executives selected for the first-ever Billboard U.K. 40 Under 40 list.
The list celebrates talents from various major music institutions, including labels, distributors, management, publishing, streaming companies, live business, rights associations, and more.
Kojey Radical, a prominent and innovative UK rapper, was awarded the Trailblazer Award during the event. His emotional acceptance speech was followed by a performance by local indie band Bank Holiday. During the opening remarks, Billboard U.K. editor Thomas Smith commended the honorees for their "new ideas and new approaches in the way we work." Smith stated that the sector thrives on innovation and fresh thinking, and the list aims to encourage and uplift young, dynamic individuals still in the development phase.
Bev Craig, mayor of Greater Manchester, applauded the event's significance in shaping the future of the region's music sector. She emphasized the need to foster an environment that nurtures creativity and offers opportunities for growth, regardless of one's background. Craig expressed her gratitude for the platform provided by the event and encouraged a new conversation that challenges traditional ways of working.
Kojey Radical received the Trailblazer Award after achieving a successful 2026, selling out London's iconic Royal Albert Hall in the spring, and releasing his second album Don't Look Down. The album is set to compete in this year's Mercury Prize ceremony in Newcastle on October 22. In his acceptance speech, Kojey emphasized that being a trailblazer is not about having a clear path but having faith in oneself and the support of others.
He expressed his gratitude for the encouragement and belief he received from people within the event and his network, including family, friends, team members, and listeners who have supported his work.
Written by urgent.news from Billboard's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
