UK Rap Award with Tiffany Calver
12-month career accelerator for musicians creating UK Rap music
Application period: Monday 24 November to Friday 2 January
The UK Rap Award, delivered in Partnership with Tiffany Calver, is a 12-month programme for musicians working within UK rap and its sub-genres. It offers more than just financial support — it provides all the tools you need to expand your music and grow your career.
Whether you’re developing your sound, expanding your live presence, or refining your business approach, this programme supports your long-term growth with tailored mentoring, peer collaboration, and up to £3,000 in funding to invest in your music projects.
We’re delighted to be delivering this award in partnership with Tiffany Calver.
By the age of 24, Tiffany had made history as the first woman to host BBC Radio 1’s Rap Show. Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in British music, she has earned recognition not only as a DJ and broadcaster but also as a curator, tastemaker, and advocate for the culture. Her impact has been celebrated with accolades such as Music Week’s Rising Star (2019) and DJ Mag’s Best Radio Show (2020).
In 2023, Tiffany debuted The Tiffany Calver Show, her all-new, multi-genre Friday night program on BBC Radio 1Xtra, marking the next phase in the evolution of one of British music’s defining voices. Alongside the show, she continues to run her No Requests record label and perform to sold-out crowds across the country.
Who is eligible to apply?
You must be a working musician and meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Income: You’ve earned at least 40% of your income from music in the past two years (If you have a long-term health condition or disability, you only need to show some music income)
- Age: 18 or over
- Residency: Living in the UK, with the right to live and work here
- Banking: You have a UK bank account
- Savings: You don’t have more than £10,000 in savings or other funds that could cover your activity
You must also:
- Be making music in an UK rap music genre (see below)
- Be willing to commit to the activities and key dates within the programme
- Be able to deliver your supported activities within 12 months
- Have control over one or more aspects of your career, i.e., self-managing, self-releasing or self-producing
Who is this award for?
The UK Rap Award supports musicians working within the UK Rap genre, including its many sub-genres and associated creative roles.
- Rap
- Grime
- Drill
- Afroswing
- Hip-Hop
- Trap / Trapwave
- Road Rap
- Trip Hop
- Britcore
- Horrorcore
This award is also open to new or emerging sub-genres in UK Rap that may not be listed above.
Please note we will consider applications from producers and MCs alongside rappers.
If you’re unsure where your work fits, we still encourage you to apply if you feel it clearly sits within the wider rap genre.
What does this award include?
- Up to £3,000 to fund your own music project
- 1‑to‑1 Business Advice with industry experts
- Online meetups with awardees and guest speakers
- One-day peer and industry mixer in London
This support is designed to help you make real progress in your music career — not just fund a single project.
When can I apply?
Applications open on Monday, 24 November. Sign up below to be the first to hear when the Award opens and get helpful reminders so you don’t miss out.