Why We Use Professional Adjudicators

To ensure fairness credibility and consistency the Music Recognition Awards are judged by experienced industry professionals rather than relying solely on public voting. While public votes can be influenced by popularity or social reach professional judging allows entries to be assessed on skill technique creativity and overall performance.

This approach helps maintain the integrity of the competition ensuring all participants are evaluated on equal terms and in line with UK competition and promotional standards. It also reduces the risk of bias manipulation or unfair advantage providing a more balanced and transparent outcome for all entrants.

Introducing The HARD DANCE Adjudicators

David George

David George (DJ Tech) – Hard Dance Adjudicator
DJ Tech is all about precision and skill. As part of Beat Jugglers his style leans heavily into technical mixing clean transitions and proper DJ craft — no shortcuts. Rooted in hard dance but driven by technique he brings a selector’s mindset and an ear for detail. As a judge he’s looking beyond track choice — focusing on control timing and how well a DJ really knows their tools.

Michael The Pheonix Steward AKA RushGBH 

Michael “The Phoenix” Steward (RushGBH) – Hard Dance Adjudicator
Rising from the harder side of the underground RushGBH is all about intensity drive and controlled chaos behind the decks. A hard dance specialist with a taste for drum & bass his sets are built to hit hard and keep momentum locked in. Known for pushing energy levels without losing structure he joins as a Hard Dance Judge with a focus on DJs who can truly command a dancefloor.

Introducing The URBAN Adjudicators

Vince Cadenhead - AKA JEKZ

Vince Candenhead (Jekz) – Urban Music Adjudicator

Jekz is a Drum & Bass DJ with strong old-skool roots and a real connection to the culture. Drawing influence from jungle classic drum & bass and the heavier edges of the genre he brings both knowledge and authenticity to everything he does. His approach is built on selection energy and understanding what makes a set truly work. As a judge he’ll be looking for originality musical understanding and DJs who can create a real connection with the crowd.

KRUEZ SHEMI - AKA DJ KRUEZ

Kruez Shemi (DJ Kruez) – Urban Music Adjudicator

DJ Kruez is a UK garage DJ with a solid understanding of the genre and its foundations. His approach focuses on tight mixing clean transitions and selecting tracks that work naturally together rather than forcing energy. Drawing from both classic garage and newer sounds he keeps his sets balanced controlled and true to the music.

He places importance on timing structure and reading a crowd properly — keeping people engaged without overcomplicating the mix.

As a judge he’ll be looking for strong selection good structure and DJs who understand how to build and maintain a set from start to finish.

Introducing the MC Adjudicators

AJ Dizzy Taylor - AKA DIZZYUK

Dizzy UK - MC Adjudicator
A true archivist of rave culture Dizzy’s journey started in 1991 before moving through pirate radio stations like Unity 88.4 Shakedown and Conflict and hosting for Electrybe in the early days. As the founder of The Rave Archive he’s dedicated to preserving the raw history of the scene while keeping legends like Stevie Hyper D alive for new generations. With a deep appreciation for originality and musical storytelling Dizzy joins the Up & Comer Awards 2026 looking for artists who bring something real different and unforgettable.

Richard Morpheus - AKA - FUNSTA

Richard Morpheus (MC Funsta) – MC Adjudicator
Known for his electrifying presence and razor-sharp delivery MC Funsta is a master of controlling energy in a rave. His style is bold fast-paced and built for impact — the kind that lifts a set from good to unforgettable. With years of experience alongside top-tier DJs he knows exactly what makes a performance hit. As a judge Funsta is all about presence timing and that unteachable ability to move a crowd. generation.

Mark E Dappa Hubbins - AKA E DAPPA

Mark E Dappa Hubbins (MC E Dappa) – MC Adjudicator
MC E Dappa brings a raw authentic flavour to the mic shaped by years deep in the rave and drum & bass underground. Known for his unmistakable tone and natural connection with the crowd he represents the heart of true MC culture — no gimmicks just real energy. As a judge for 2026 he’s looking for artists who stay true to themselves and bring genuine vibe over hype.