Singer-songwriter Akin Amusan has been crowned the winner of Casio Sessions 2026, taking home the top prize at the fourth annual edition of Casio Music’s singer-songwriter competition.
The live final took place at Shoreditch Jazz Bar last week, where 16 emerging piano-playing musicians performed original material in front of a crowd of music fans and industry figures.
Each finalist was selected to perform at the event and took to the stage alongside Casio’s flagship PX-S7000HM digital piano, which also formed part of the winner’s prize. The performances gave the artists an opportunity to showcase both their songwriting and musicianship, with the judging panel ultimately tasked with selecting one winner from an impressive field.
The judging panel comprised Neil Evans, Head of EMI at Casio Music UK; Dan Henry, Field Sales Manager; Emsy Petersen, EMI Marketing Specialist; and special guest judge Martin Turner, Head of Harlesden Evening Centre at Brent Music Services.
After 16 performances, the judges selected Akin Amusan as this year’s winner, following a moving rendition of his original song ‘Carpenter’. His performance stood out for its combination of rich vocals, emotionally charged songwriting and reflective lyrics, with his voice drawing comparisons to contemporary soul and pop vocalists including John Legend and Sam Smith.
Speaking exclusively to 1883 Magazine, Amusan said: “This is a complete shock! I’m so honoured to be chosen from such an incredible group of performers.
“Songwriting is the purest form of expression for me, so it means a lot to see it celebrated in this way.”
Amusan was not the only contestant to praise the competition and the community it has created around emerging musicians.
Ben Smith said: “I’m very grateful for this opportunity. All the performers were so talented. The competition is such a good way to promote upcoming musicians and encourage their careers.”
Karolina Micor added: “I loved being here. The amount of piano players and singers is incredible. My favourite type of musician is someone who plays piano, sings songs and writes them.”
Sami Semaani-Rodriguez said: “I really loved tonight. I loved listening to the other performers, and the atmosphere was incredible!”
Alongside the title, Amusan will receive a Casio PX-S7000 digital piano with matching bench, worth £2,549, as well as an exclusive mastering studio session for his winning track. The piano features a hybrid wooden hammer keyboard and built-in vocal effects, designed to support both performance and creative work.
Neil Evans, Head of Casio EMI, said: “Congratulations, Akin! It’s been incredible to see the competition grow over the past four years. Every year, we’re truly blown away by the talent on display, and this year was no exception. What’s been particularly meaningful is seeing the community of budding musicians that has grown around the competition. Casio is honoured to play a part in supporting these artists and being part of their journeys.”
All 16 finalists received professional photography and videography from the night, giving them new material to support their careers.
Now in its fourth year, Casio Sessions continues to provide a platform for piano-playing singer-songwriters, with previous winners going on to release music and perform live shows. For its latest winner, the next chapter begins with a new piano, a new recording opportunity and the momentum of a breakthrough night.
