Full line-up of Yamaha Music London 2024 Ambassador finalists revealed

On November 30, the second semi-final showcase to find the next ambassadors for Yamaha Music London was held at the brand’s flagship UK store, with four artists securing their spot in next week’s grand final (December 7).

Like the first semi-final, which took place on November 23, the second showcase was a fiercely contested affair featuring a sparkling array of talent spanning all manner of genres and styles.

The campaign marks the second consecutive year in which Headliner, in partnership with Yamaha Music London, is offering solo artists and duos the opportunity to become ambassadors for Yamaha’s flagship UK store. Out of hundreds of entries, a shortlist was created and invited to perform across two semi-finals, before a grand final, in which eight artists will perform, with three being selected to serve as Yamaha Music London Ambassadors for 2024.

In this role, the ambassadors will be given access to Yamaha's wide array of award-winning instruments for a year, the chance to perform at some of London's best venues (including Yamaha's Soho-based music store) and receive exclusive mentorship in developing their future success as artists.

The winners will also benefit from a professional recording session at Headliner HQ's studio, an appearance on the Headliner Radio music podcast, an editorial profile in Headliner, three months of PR support, mentoring sessions, and social media support via shares across Yamaha Music London and Headliner’s social media pages.

The second semi-final featured eight acts – Ben Murphy, Daniel McGuiness, Hide Takemoto, Deuxes, Paris Iliffe, Jay Spicer, Luce Rushton, and Sam Wray.

The winning artists on the night were Ben Murphy, Hide Takemoto, Deuxes, and Sam Wray. They join Jide Kuti, Stone Jets, Ayygayle, and Peter J Adamson in next week’s final, in what promises to be an incredible evening of live music.

Each artist demonstrated their own distinct style and musicianship, ranging from instrumental virtuosos to singer songwriters and duos.

Murphy’s folk-infused pop proved a major hit with those in attendance, with a mass singalong breaking out during one of his performances, while Takemoto’s instrumental solo guitar showcase was utterly spellbinding, leaving virtually everyone in the room awestruck by his technical excellence.

Meanwhile, indie-soul sister duo Deuxes proved equally captivating, with their infectious guitar, basslines, and harmonies providing one of the night’s many highlights.

Wray, the final performer on the night, also served up a compelling and unique take on pop, combining influences from the likes of The Beatles and Bob Dylan with a contemporary piano and acoustic guitar-based sound.

"We are delighted to be partnering with Headliner for a second successful year in our search for new and emerging London-based musicians to become Yamaha Music London ambassadors,” commented Stephen Davies, Yamaha Music London Manager.

“This is an exciting partnership! As the world's greatest music instrument manufacturer, Yamaha offers award-winning instruments, global expertise and the very latest in music technology combined with Headliner's wealth of industry knowledge and second to none music business contacts. The ambassadorship is an incredible prize for an emerging artist to win.

“We are so proud of our current ambassadors – Bertie, Beth Keeping and Nina Fine – who have been amazing,” Stephen added. “They have had some incredible experiences and have done an exceptional job whilst representing our iconic store. It's time to pass the baton onto the next music ambassadors and set them on the track to success!"

Headliner recently caught up with last year’s winners to find out how their Yamaha Music London ambassadorship has impacted their careers.

We also spoke with Yamaha Music London manager Davies for an in-depth look at why the flagship UK store is ‘a music destination like no other’.

To attend the final on December 7th for free, reserve your ticket here.