Jake Schensema (29), better known by his DJ name JAMBACK, was named the most promising DJ talent in the Netherlands for 2026 by successful Dutch DJs at radio station SLAM! on Thursday. He received the SLAM! Next Gen Award. Armin van Buuren, Lucas & Steve, Oliver Heldens and Nicky Romero were among the members of the professional jury. JAMBACK was surprised with the award during the Avondshow hosted by radio DJs Jarno van der Wielen and Jesper Kleynen.
SLAM! compiled the shortlist for the Next Gen Award together with experts from the dance industry. This resulted in three nominees: Lisa Korver, JAMBACK and Julian Fijma. Korver was the first female nominee for the award this year. In total, sixteen well-known DJs from the Dutch dance industry cast their votes. Oliver Heldens and Lucas & Steve were among those who voted for JAMBACK.
Oliver Heldens explained his choice: “After careful consideration, my vote goes to JAMBACK. You simply cannot ignore JAMBACK, his hit stood out so much. It is also something truly unique.” Heldens was referring to ‘Positive’, the track JAMBACK released in 2025 following the loss of his mother, which stood out because of its distinctive melody. Lucas & Steve also expressed their enthusiasm for his music: “If you can come up with a sound like that and build an entire track around it, then you really understand what it is all about.”
Rotterdam-based Jake Schensema began his DJ career in 2020 with his first release. In 2025, he achieved his international breakthrough with the track ‘Positive’, which spent 64 days at number one and broke the Beatport record previously held by FISHER's ‘Losing It’. His music is characterised by an accessible, rhythmic and energetic house style.
The professional jury for the SLAM! Next Gen Award this year consisted of:
Armin van Buuren
CVNTS
Don Diablo
Eelke Kleijn
Laidback Luke
Laura van Dam
Lucas & Steve
Maddix
Mau P
Mike Williams
Mr. Belt & Wezol
Nicky Romero
Oliver Heldens
R3HAB
Sam Feldt
Toman
About the SLAM! Next Gen Award
Since 2023, radio station SLAM! has presented an award each year around Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) to an emerging DJ. Since 2025, the prize has been called the Next Gen Award. Previous winners were Mau P (2023), Mr. Belt & Wezol (2024) and Benwal (2025). With the award, SLAM! gives emerging DJs a platform and recognition from established names in the dance industry.
