BBC Radio 1 has announced the DJs named as part of the prestigious Annie Nightingale Presents Scholarship 2023, an initiative designed 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, now into its third year, 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 2023 recipients are (in alphabetical order):

IMOGEN

IMOGEN is a producer and DJ from Southampton. At the age of 18 IMOGEN performed at iconic club Berghain and has since evolved into the revered producer and DJ she is today, notably performing at world renowned Glastonbury Festival and most recently launching an inclusive platform and party series called ‘Wigs’, which facilitates workshops and provides a hub for aspiring artists.

IMOGEN says: “Growing up in England and constantly listening to Radio 1 it has always been a dream to be on the station. My journey when I moved to London started through radio and it has been such a big part of my world ever since. I am so grateful to Annie for inviting me on and I can’t wait to present an hour of uncompromising music that I love to so many listeners from all walks of life.”

Jay Carder

Jay Carder is a UK based broadcaster and DJ, known for her unique blend of UK bass, techno and breaks. In 2022 she released her first EP which garnered support from Radio 1 and 6Music and sold out UK headline shows. This year she embarked on her first international tour alongside continuing to co-run the label Erbium Records.

Jay Carder says: “Talk about a ‘pinch me’ moment! What an absolute honour to be invited for this year’s round of scholarships. As a fervent lover of radio, BBC Radio 1 and Annie Nightingale are at the pinnacle of inspiration and it feels pretty wild to be let loose on her show. I’m bursting at the seams with excitement – what an incredible opportunity to share music in a triplet of talent, under the umbrella of such a broadcasting institution. Let’s goooo!”

ROSSY

ROSSY is an American DJ and producer who has performed at many world renowned festivals including Beyond Wonderland, HARD Summer, Breakaway and Electric Zoo. This year, she released her highly anticipated EP ‘HEAVENS DOOR’ and in April embarked on her debut headline tour.

ROSSY says: “I’ve done a few shows with Annie and BBC, and they have always been my absolute favourite mixes. It’s an unbelievable honour to be picked for the Scholarship, and I can’t wait for you guys to hear what I’ve put together! Thank you so much for this means the world to me.”

They will each appear on a special edition of Annie Nightingale Presents on Saturday 4 November from 11pm-2am.

Annie Nightingale CBE says: “It’s so exciting to be presenting the third Radio 1 Annie Nightingale Scholarship show for up-and-coming women and non-binary DJs. This year’s winners include two from the UK, IMOGEN from Southampton and Jay Carder from London, and from Kansas USA, ROSSY. They all possess great taste in music; versatility and dexterity on the decks. And all convey their enthusiastic personalities on the mic. I wish them all great success and recognition.”

Aled Haydn Jones, Head of Radio 1, says: “The Annie Nightingale Scholarship is extremely important in uplifting and supporting new DJing talent. I can’t wait to celebrate the newest ones to watch, and look forward to hearing what they each bring to the show.”