Nordic Music Biz Top 20 under 30

The Nordic music industry proudly announces the 2026 edition of the Nordic Music Biz Top 20 Under 30, celebrating the most promising young professionals shaping the future of music across the region. The Top 20 Under 30 list was created to spotlight emerging talent and ensure continued innovation and renewal in the Nordic music industry. The award highlights the strong collaborative spirit of the Nordic countries in promoting talent and exporting music to international markets.

Now in its ninth year, the initiative—established by NOMEX (Nordic Music Export)—recognizes 20 exceptional individuals under the age of 30 who are driving innovation, creativity, and global impact in the Nordic music scene. The selected 20 represent a diverse cross-section of the industry, from artist management and live promotion to digital strategy and label leadership. Being included on the list has become a mark of distinction for young professionals and is widely regarded as a springboard for further influence and opportunity within the music business.

A jury of leading industry figures from across the Nordic countries evaluated candidates based on company growth, career trajectory, peer recognition, artistic development, innovation, and measurable industry impact over the past year. The selection process also emphasized gender balance and diversity—core values of the Top 20 Under 30 initiative.

The 2026 awardees will be officially celebrated at a ceremony during by:Larm Festival in Oslo, Thursday 10 September.

The winners are:

Norway:

• Imane Istaleb (29) - Head of Live // Kreatell, World of Walker
• Fredrik Børstad (28) - Head of A&R // Toothfairy Publishing
• Shirin Khademi (30) - Co-Founder & Manager // AirTime
• Ulysse Bonfils (22) - Founder // Distortion

Denmark:

• Luna Hernø Balslev (30) - Senior Project Manager // All Things Live Denmark
• Breki Adiel Stefánsson (26) - Co-Founder & Booker // Urban Breakout
• Sofie Juul Lind (30) - Head of Live Marketing, Nordic Team Lead // United Stage
• Carl Emil Stolpe (28) - A&R Manager // Universal Music Denmark / Island Records Nordic

Finland:

• Iina Ahdeala (28) - Content Manager / Impact Team // Warner Music Finland
• Dante Correa (28) - Co-Founder Below0 // Helsinki Music Week
• Emma Rühr (27) - Promoter & Agent // Fullsteam Agency

Iceland:

• Aurora Maria Sif Di Rienzo (28) - Artist Manager // Truno Music
• Atli Heimir Sveinsson (27) - Folklorist & Cultural Producer // Vökufélagið
• Francesca Stoppani (29) - Booking Agent & Promoter // Worship Bookings

Sweden:

• Susanna Boder (29) - A&R / Artist manager // Monza Music Entertainment 
• Mamdouh Elmchad (27) - Founder, Not Your Habibi // Digital Communication & Programme Development, Göteborg & Co
• Evie Bloom (29) - Senior Manager, Nordics Artist Development & Commercial Partnership // AWAL
• Jonathan Haile (28) - A&R & Label Manager // Ada Nordics
• Linnea Alouani (30) - Creative Manager, A&R // Universal Music Publishing Nordics
• Lili Rönkä (28) - Senior Manager, Impact Marketing, EMEA // Warner Music

2026 JURY – NORDIC MUSIC BIZ’ TOP 20 UNDER 30

Norway:Marthe Vee – Artist Manager / Little Big SisterAgnes Steen Eckersberg – Booker / ØYA FestivalMats Austgulen – Founder & MD / Retriever Music Group

Sweden:Filip Hiltmann, Head Of Marketing / Way Out West / LugerOlivia Hessel, Head of Management & Label Services / TEN Music GroupPetter Seander, CEO / Birds Will Sing For You

Finland:Iivari Suosalo, A&R / Warner Music FinlandHenrik Hagnäs, General Manager & Agent / United Stage FinlandSarah Latosaari, Project Manager / Universal Music Finland, Def Jam Recordings Finland

Denmark:

Thomas Børresen - Partner & Director / Labelmade Malika Mahmoud - Agent / CeCe Agency Kristoffer Rom - Managing Partner / TAMBOURHINOCEROS

Iceland:Agnes Hlynsdóttir - Venue promoter / LEMMY Ægir Sindri Bjarnason / Musician, label owner, and concert promoter Soffía Kristín Jónsdóttir / Manager, co-owner and founder // Iceland Sync