BBC Radio 1 Celebrates the Next Wave of Pioneers
BBC Radio 1 has unveiled the 2025 cohort of Annie Nightingale Pioneers, a high-profile initiative that spotlights exceptional women and non-binary DJs making waves in the global dance and electronic scene. Named in honor of Annie Nightingale—Radio 1’s first female DJ and longest-serving presenter—the program continues her legacy of championing boundary-pushing artists and underrepresented voices in electronic music. Since its launch in 2021, the Annie Nightingale Pioneers have become a vital platform for innovation, inclusion, and emerging talent in club culture.
Meet the 2025 Pioneers
Three rising DJs have been selected for 2025, each bringing a distinctive voice and vision to the world of DJing. Here’s who they are and why they stand out:
Heléna Star
Heléna Star is a DJ, radio presenter and host known for uplifting sets spanning house, techno and global bass. A key figure in the UK’s underground scene, she has performed at Fabric, Panorama Bar, Dimensions, Love International and Glastonbury’s Block9. She’s shared stages with artists like Jayda G, Octo Octa and Eliza Rose. Beyond the decks, Heléna hosts a regular show on Foundation FM and co-hosts “THERAPY,” a podcast exploring parenthood in the music industry.
Heléna says: “I feel incredibly honoured to have been chosen as one of this year’s Pioneers. For many young women, Annie was a great inspiration and is part of the reason I saw radio as a career option. I’m really excited to share this mix with listeners, it’s a complete overview of all the sounds and styles that I love. The music I champion comes from the soul, a want to connect and spread joy. All qualities Annie possessed and ones I hope to continue passing down to the next generation.”
Saint Ludo
Saint Ludo—DJ and producer born in California, raised in Italy, and now based in London—brings high-energy sets that blend UK bass, UK garage and jungle. Her work has earned praise from Dazed and Mixmag and support from Chase & Status and Skrillex. A Rinse FM resident, she has played Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, and The Warehouse Project alongside Nia Archives and Overmono. Her viral single “Subliminals” recently surpassed half a million streams as she gears up for her debut EP.
Saint Ludo says: “I am deeply honoured to be an Annie Nightingale Pioneer. Annie’s work changed the narrative of who belongs in dance music and radio, and I’m humbled and excited to carry forward that mission.”
TAAHLIAH
Glasgow-born DJ and producer TAAHLIAH is known for bold fusions of pop, club and experimental sounds. She has performed worldwide, including at Fabric, Razzmatazz, Dour Festival, Glastonbury, and Sziget, and sold out the Southbank Centre for a collaboration with the London Contemporary Orchestra. Her 2024 debut album, “Gramarye,” earned nominations for the Scottish Album of the Year and AIM Awards’ Best Independent Album. She has also presented on BBC 6 Music, covering for Mary Anne Hobbs.
TAAHLIAH says: “Honoured beyond words to be chosen as one of the Annie Nightingale Pioneers. To be recognised in her legacy is both humbling and electrifying; she paved the way for so many boundary-pushing artists and I can only hope to continue that energy by creating space for new worlds through sound.”
A Special Broadcast and What It Means
The 2025 recipients will each appear in a special show on Saturday 8 November from 11pm–2am, delivering bespoke mixes that reflect their artistry and influences. The event highlights Radio 1’s ongoing commitment to inclusive, forward-thinking programming and to expanding opportunities for diverse voices in electronic music.
Why Annie Nightingale’s Legacy Remains Vital
Annie Nightingale’s trailblazing career opened doors for countless artists, and the Pioneers initiative keeps her mission alive by elevating new talents who push club culture forward. As Head of Radio 1 Aled Haydn Jones notes, the 2025 cohort “brings something truly original,” underscoring Radio 1’s role as a launchpad for the next generation of influential DJs and music-makers.
Follow the Pioneers
Stay tuned for updates and follow Radio 1 for announcements, mixes, and features from Heléna Star, Saint Ludo and TAAHLIAH as they prepare for their November broadcast. The Annie Nightingale Pioneers 2025 promise a dynamic chapter in the ongoing evolution of electronic music, one that foregrounds talent, perspective, and joy in dance culture.
