The DJ Awards made a triumphant return to Ibiza last week, after a four-year break, to celebrate the top DJs in the world. Known as the ‘Oscars of dance music’, the event took place at Club Chinois, honouring some of the industry’s most influential figures.
Top DJs like Black Coffee, Armin Van Buuren, Sam Divine, and Róisín Murphy were among the prominent winners, solidifying their place in the global dance music scene.
Fisher named best international DJ
One of the night’s most coveted awards, Best International DJ, went to Australian artist Fisher. Rising to fame in 2018 with his Grammy-winning track ‘Losing It’, this was his first DJ Awards win.
Fisher reflected on his journey, recalling his admiration for fellow top DJ, Luciano: ‘Watching Luciano, I knew I wanted to command a crowd the way he does.’
Luciano honoured as Ibiza icon
Luciano, one of the top DJs globally, was recognised with the Ibiza Icon Award. This accolade, announced earlier this year, highlighted his profound influence on the island’s music culture.
Sven Väth, another top DJ who has shaped the scene for nearly 40 years, took home his fourth DJ Award in the Techno category. He paid tribute to Ibiza’s dance community, praising the ‘true music lovers who enjoy real vibes without phones in hand.’
Top DJs continue to dominate
Rampa, a rising figure in the dance music world and co-founder of Keinemusik, received the What’s Hot Global Award, acknowledging his label’s recent success. In addition, he accepted the Ibiza Track of the Summer award for his colleague Adam Port’s hit ‘Move Feat. Malachiii’. Rampa, reflecting the confidence of top DJs, joked, ‘Everyone wonders what would’ve happened if Keinemusik didn’t win? Guess we’ll never know.’
Sam Divine, another leading figure among top DJs, took the prize in the House category. She expressed gratitude to Simon Dunmore for signing her as Defected’s first female DJ, reinforcing the importance of supporting upcoming female talent in the industry.
Meanwhile, Róisín Murphy won the award for Best Live Performance, and Miss Monique was recognised as Best New Artist.
Lifetime Aahievement and emotional highlights
Javier Anadon, known for his legendary Café Mambo, which has been a staple of the Ibiza scene since the 1970s, received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The night also saw one of its most emotional moments when Michael Bibi was awarded the Play It Back Award for his One Life campaign. His initiative has raised €148,283 for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity following his battle with lymphoma.
The DJ Awards made it clear that Ibiza continues to be the epicentre for celebrating the top DJs in the world, showcasing the immense talent that shapes the global dance music landscape.
