Yulia Yurina (Best Music), FIЇNKA (ENKO) and Phil it (pomitni) are on the fifth edition of IMPALA's list of new artists from European independent labels, run with YouTube.
On 26 March 2026, IMPALA, the European association of independent music companies, announced the fifth edition of 100 Artists to Watch: a hundred new artists working with independent labels across Europe. IMPALA runs the programme in partnership with YouTube, and it is co-funded by the European Union.
Ukrainian artists on the list
Three artists represent Ukraine this year, all working with labels that are members of SPILNA.
More about the labels: Best Music, ENKO, pomitni.
How the list is made
Artists are nominated by IMPALA members across Europe. They are selected for artistic innovation, commitment to diversity and commercial potential, and the list looks at the labels behind them as well as the artists.
The programme started in 2022, replacing IMPALA's Album of the Year award, which ran for ten years. Over five editions, 500 artists have been featured.
“The independent sector is the backbone of Europe's music ecosystem. Initiatives like ‘100 Artists to Watch’ highlight artists and their labels who are shaping new sounds and making Europe's cultural diversity world leading.”
— Helen Smith, Executive Chair, IMPALA
“Our role is to help these artists reach global audiences, giving them unique tools and visibility to thrive.”
— Dan Chalmers, Director, YouTube Music, EMEA
Where to listen
IMPALA has put all hundred artists in one playlist, with separate genre playlists for alternative, fusion, hip hop and R&B, pop and rock. Links are on the programme page.
YouTube plans further support for the artists during the year.
100 Artists to Watch is part of IMPALA's 2025–2028 network programme, co-funded by the European Union.