BBC Radio 1 has announced the DJs named as part of the Annie Nightingale Presents Scholarship 2022, an initiative which launched last year to champion up-and-coming women and non-binary DJs in the Dance scene.

Annie became the first ever female DJ on Radio 1 when she joined the station over 50 years ago. Now the station’s longest-serving DJ, she hosts a weekly show on Tuesday nights showcasing the biggest and best new Dance tracks.

The Scholarship aims to celebrate and elevate talented women and non-binary people in the electronic music scene by providing them with a national platform to showcase their taste and expertise. With women and non-binary people among those historically underrepresented in many Dance spaces, each year Annie highlights three DJs she feels are deserving of recognition for their work. Those selected will go on to appear in a special edition of Annie Nightingale Presents on Radio 1.

The 2022 recipients are (in alphabetical order):

Jessica Audiffred

Jessica is a Mexican DJ and producer who has performed at many world renowned festivals including EDC, Lost Lands, Beyond Wonderland and Forbidden Kingdom.

Jessica Audiffred says: “Are you kidding? This has always been a dream to me. Especially considering the UK is the birthplace of Dubstep. I can’t wait to connect with new fans in the region.”

Kyrist

Kyrist is a Bristol based DJ and producer, revered for dark, bass driven vibes. She has performed at high profile events such as Let It Roll, Outlook and Boomtown and has recently launched her own label ‘Kynetic Sound’.

Kyrist says: “I'm so happy to have been chosen as a recipient of the Annie Nightingale Presents Scholarship, it's a huge honour to be involved in something like this amongst such inspiring women in music. I'm excited to tell my musical journey and showcase my sound worldwide.”

VTSS

Martyna Maja, known by her stage name VTSS, is a Polish DJ and producer. VTSS has gained a reputation for her gigs at Berghain's most musically adventurous dance floor Säule, whilst also DJing at mega-raves like London's Junction 2 and Possession in Paris

VTSS says: “It’s gonna be really exciting to play on BBC Radio, I’ve had my essential mix streamed before but this is such a different experience and I can’t wait to have my mom in Poland listen to it live as obviously she doesn’t understand a lot of the things I’m doing but this is one of those she gets the importance of.”

They will each appear on a special edition of Annie Nightingale Presents on Saturday 5 November from 9pm-12am.

Annie Nightingale says: “I really admire females who don’t give up no matter what. DJs need musical knowledge, technical ability, and resilience. It may sound glamorous but it can be extremely gruelling at times and women still experience sexism within the industry.

“I am proud to bring these talented, resilient and gutsy women to the forefront and give them a national platform to showcase their talents.”

Aled Haydn Jones, Head of Radio 1, says: I’m thrilled to be celebrating the second year of this incredibly important initiative that uplifts and supports new DJing talent. I can’t wait to hear what this year’s recipients bring to the show.”