BBC Radio 1 have named re:ni, Tash LC, Tatyana Jane as the Annie Nightingale Pioneers for 2024.
Previously known as the Annie Nightingale Scholarship, the programme was launched by the late broadcasting legend in November, 2021 to support women and non-binary DJs, groups she described as “historically underrepresented” in dance music.
Speaking on the news and what it means to her, re:ni, aka re:lax co-founder Lauren Bush, commented: “It is an honour to have been selected by Annie Nightingale Pioneers. As a female producer, my biggest motivation is to inspire and empower other women to make music. To be recognised as a pioneer compels me to continue the example set by Annie and to keep uplifting and celebrating all of the amazing female talent in the dance music world today.”
1Xtra resident and Club Yeke founder Tash LC wrote: “Being chosen as one of Annie’s Pioneers is a huge, huge honour. I’ve always looked up to Annie as an absolute legend who paved the way for so many incredible women in radio and DJ’ing so to be a part of her legacy is amazing. I’m excited to showcase a journey through some of the music from the scenes I love and the producers that shape the global club world.”
Tatyana Jane said: “I am deeply honoured to have been chosen as one of the Annie Nightingale Pioneers 2024 on BBC Radio 1. This opportunity is more than just an accomplishment for me; it’s a chance to celebrate and amplify diversity in the electronic music scene. Through my mix, I want to advocate for the idea that every voice matters and that together, we can push the boundaries of what this culture represents. Join me on November 9th to share this vision with you.”
Aled Haydn Jones, Head of Radio 1, added: “Annie had a pioneering spirit and an unwavering dedication to discovering and supporting emerging talent so I’m proud that we can continue her legacy through this important initiative, paving the way for new DJing talent. I can’t wait to see what our 2024 recipients have lined up!”
Commenting on the launch of the scholarship at the time, Nightingale said: "Ever since I began, I have wanted to help other young broadcasters passionate about music to achieve their dreams on the airwaves, and now we at Radio 1 are to put that on a proper footing." Annie Nightingale, who passed away in January this year, was the first-ever female DJ on Radio 1 when she joined the station over 50 years ago and became the station’s longest-serving DJ.
The 2024 recipients will each appear in a special show on Saturday, 9th November, from 11pm - 2am.