You can now vote for DJ Mag’s prestigious Top 100 DJs, all for a good cause benefiting Unicef! Make sure to have your say by casting your vote before the poll concludes on September 13, 2023, using the link below.
DJ Magazine, better known as DJ Mag, is a popular British monthly publication highlighting DJs and the dynamic Electronic Dance Music (EDM) scene. But the magazine’s most esteemed section is the worldwide survey of the Top 100 DJs. In 2015, an all-time high of one million people participated in the survey, solidifying its status as the most significant music poll ever conducted.
This 2023, DJ Magazine will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its Top 100 DJs list, which first appeared in 1993 as a hand-picked selection of 100 DJs to mark its 100th issue. Until 1996, the magazine’s editors were responsible for compiling the annual Top 100 list. The early years of the awards were similar to the Grammys and the Brit Awards in that industry professionals, including music critics and producers, voted on the candidates and winners.
However, a significant change occurred in 1997 when DJ Magazine decided to involve its readers in the decision-making process. It was then that the magazine’s readers were granted the authority to choose the world’s top DJ, and in that inaugural year, British DJ Carl Cox emerged as the first recipient of the Top 100 DJs Award, as determined by the public vote.
Unlike other DJ polls, there are no prerequisites for being nominated or accepted into the Top 100 DJs. Voters are simply prompted to choose their top five DJs without restrictions such as the DJ’s fan base size. People who vote in the poll are also given the option to donate to Unicef’s Children’s Emergency Fund, or you can make your contributions directly at unicef.org.uk.
DJs value DJ Mag’s Top 100 greatly since it can significantly impact their popularity and booking fees. Hence, the publication permits DJs to actively seek votes regularly. Some DJs, like the Dutch DJ Hardwell, have gone so far as to skydive for their election videos, while others, like the French DJ David Guetta, often produce animated videos.
Martin Garrix, the exceptionally talented DJ and producer from the Netherlands, achieved an impressive feat in 2022 by being named the world’s number-one DJ for the fourth time. At a remarkably young age, Garrix burst onto the music scene with his pioneering EDM track, “Animals.” His remarkable talent and musical contributions earned him the prestigious Top 100 DJs accolade in 2016, 2017, and 2018. Notably, he reclaimed the top position from his close companion and mentor, David Guetta, who had held the esteemed title for the two preceding years.
London’s Ministry of Sound club has hosted the annual poll’s after-party for the past few years, and preparations are already underway for the Top 100 DJs Awards Show broadcast of 2023. This upcoming event, scheduled for November, will unveil the poll results while presenting a captivating documentary that delves into the rich legacy of the Top 100 DJs for three decades. The documentary will explore how this influential poll has mirrored and captured the dynamic music scenes throughout its history.
Voting is open now through September 13 at 23:59 BST. Visit vote.djmag.com to cast your vote!
