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Jools Holland, Rebecca Ferguson and a host of legendary musicians


The Boisdale Xerjoff Music Awards is always a highlight in the London music calendar, and this year’s ceremony at Boisdale of Canary Wharf was one of the best yet. I was back to photograph the event and it was a joy from start to finish — great music, a warm crowd, and a room full of some of the most respected artists in British music.


Jools Holland and Rebecca Ferguson hosted the night with the charm you’d expect, keeping everything flowing and bringing plenty of personality to the stage. The awards covered a wide sweep of genres, from jazz and blues to reggae, soul, R&B, pop and rock. It’s one of the things I enjoy most about this event — it brings together people who might never normally share the same stage.

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The biggest moment of the night was Joss Stone being crowned British Icon. She was genuinely touched and gave a lovely acceptance speech before later joining the finale performance. Guy Chambers received the Legacy Award for Musical Excellence, with a video message from Robbie Williams adding a personal touch. Nitin Sawhney was honoured for his outstanding contribution to British music, and Boy Wonder received this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award.


There were plenty of standout performances throughout the evening. Winners often took to the stage straight after receiving their awards, which gave the whole night a relaxed, celebratory feel. Guests enjoyed a champagne and cocktail reception, followed by a three-course dinner, and everyone left with an exclusive Xerjoff fragrance sampler.


The finale was a real high point. Fil Straughan, Boisdale’s Show Artist of the Year, brought Joss Stone, Rebecca Ferguson, Vanessa Haynes, Omar, Junior Giscombe and Teshay Makeda on stage for a big, joyful performance that had everyone on their feet. Afterwards, the party carried on downstairs with DJ Spoony and DJ Supa D playing until the early hours.


A few familiar faces were in the room too, including Maxi Priest, Omar, Carroll Thompson, Don Reedman and Simon Bartholomew from The Brand New Heavies. The atmosphere summed up what Boisdale does so well — great music, good food, and a crowd that genuinely loves being part of it.


Here are this year’s award winners:


  • Emerging Artist – Teshay Makeda
  • Jazz & Blues Artist – Jack Broadbent
  • Reggae Artist – Janet Kay
  • Soul / R&B Artist – Junior Giscombe
  • Female Artist – Miraa May
  • Male Artist – Ollie Wride
  • Band of the Year – The Vintage Explosion
  • Boisdale Show Artist of the Year – Fil Straughan
  • DJ of the Year – DJ Spoony
  • Legacy Award – Guy Chambers
  • Outstanding Contribution to British Music – Nitin Sawhney
  • British Icon – Joss Stone
  • Lifetime Achievement – Boy Wonder


Events like this are always a pleasure to photograph. You get a mix of candid moments, big reactions, emotional speeches, and artists doing what they do best. If you’re planning a music or awards event and need natural, documentary-style photography, feel free to get in touch.

Three people pose together at the Boisdale Xerjoff Music Awards event against a branded step and repeat backdrop.
Musicians perform on a dark stage with colorful lighting and instruments at a live concert venue.
Concert stage illuminated with blue lights and glowing signage against a dark background.
Performers on stage during a concert with red lighting and musical equipment visible in the background.
Concert performers engaging with the audience under purple and blue stage lighting at the E-Oisdale venue.
Musicians performing on stage with vibrant lighting and sound equipment at an indoor concert venue.
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Musicians perform on stage at a concert with Yamaha and Nexo branding visible in the background lighting.
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A collage of concert performers on stage with instruments and microphones in a dimly lit venue.
Dark stage performance with silhouetted musicians playing instruments in dramatic blue lighting.
People celebrate and pose together in a dimly lit venue with red walls and chandeliers.
A performer sings into a microphone on stage with purple lighting in the background during a live performance.
A performer in a dark suit gestures energetically on stage with dramatic blue lighting in the background.
Two performers on a dimly lit stage with blue lighting engage in conversation during a show.
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A performer in a bright red jacket sings passionately on stage during a live concert performance.
Musicians in red shirts perform on stage with guitars and instruments under colorful stage lighting.
Musicians perform energetically on stage in red outfits under colorful stage lighting at a live concert venue.
A performer in a bright red jacket sings into a microphone while looking at a phone on stage with blue lighting.
A performer in a bright red jacket sings passionately on stage during a live concert performance.
Award ceremony backdrop with sponsor logos including Yamaha Music, Nexo, and Glencadam displayed on dark background.
Concert performers and crew members gather backstage with blue lighting and Yamaha equipment visible in the background.
Singer performs on stage with blue stage lighting in the background during a live concert performance.
A series of four photos showing performers on a blue-lit stage during what appears to be a live music performance.
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Musicians perform on stage at the Boisdale Xerjoff Music Awards show with blue and green lighting.
A performer in a brown hat sings on stage with colorful blue and purple lighting in the background.
Award ceremony stage setup with Boisdale Xerjoff Music Awards 2025 branding and sponsor logos displayed.
Musicians perform on stage at a dimly lit concert venue with purple and blue lighting effects.
Musicians perform on stage at a concert venue with blue lighting and musical instruments.
Musicians performing on stage at a jazz club with blue lighting and instruments visible in the background.
Live performance at a dimly lit music venue with blue stage lighting creating an atmospheric ambiance.
Concert performers on stage with dramatic blue lighting and musical equipment visible.
A performer sings passionately on stage during a concert performance with blue lighting in the background.
A person in a dark suit gestures while speaking on stage with blue lighting and screens visible in the background.
A person in a vibrant red dress poses and laughs joyfully in a room with plaid carpeting.
A group of performers singing and dancing energetically on a dark stage with blue lighting.
Musicians perform on a dimly lit stage with blue lighting and instruments during a live concert performance.
A collage of six concert performance photos shows musicians on stage with green and purple lighting effects.
A live band performs on stage at a nightclub with colorful lighting and people dancing in the background.
Performers on stage at a music venue with colorful lighting and instruments creating a lively atmosphere.
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