New Wave Top 10 Of 2021 [Final Lists]

As the year is coming to a close, like many, we all like to reflect on the moments of the year, and celebrate our wins. Last year, New Wave launched our Best of 2020 Campaign which celebrated the wins of individuals/creatives placed all over our industry and gave a chance for our audience to recognise their talents. We are a platform on a mission to bridge the gap between established and emerging creatives. We provide a space for all creatives to be recognised and an avenue for them to express their thoughts across Fashion, Music, Art, Photography, Architecture and more. For our end-of-the-year campaign, we selected various categories that shows the diversity and depth that our culture has to offer, and nominated the Top 10 individuals from those categories but it's a Top 10 with a twist. All our nominees had a chance to be playfully competitive and call on their audience to raise or keep their ranking in the week-long voting process witch garnered over 1,500 votes in total. A vote places each individual in an ordered list from 1 to 10, the more votes an individual got the higher their ranking. We would also like to make the clarification that this is NOT a ranking for each individual's importance in the culture but a show of support and respect from the creative community and a way to engage your audience. All our nominees are winners and we would like to congratulate everyone nominated for an outstanding creative year, on delivering inspiring work and for pushing the scene to new heights.

With that being said, let's get to the final lists based on the votes!

Top 10 DJs

1. Tiffany Calver // @tiffanycalver

Winner of the top slot of this year's Top 10 DJ's, the iconic Tiffany Calver had a monster year, but you wouldn't expect anything less from the BBC 1xtra host. The vibe creator brought her energetic DJ sets to the summers biggest festivals including Wireless, Reading and Leeds, Love Saves the Day. But she didn't stop there, she boasted multiple collaborations with brands such as SNKRS, SavagexFenty, MCM and more; all whilst hosting her weekly Saturday night show on BBC 1Xtra, The 1Xtra Rap Show. With all that being said it's hard not to see how Tiffany Calver tops the 2021 Top 10 DJ list with votes; and 2022 is definitely looking like another strong year ahead for the selecta.

DJ Top 10 Ranking Based On Votes:

2. P-rallel // @paralleltheory

3. Jamo Beatz // @jamo.beatz

4. Tommy Gold // @tommygold

5. NOSA // @________nosa

6. DJ Nico // @dj_nico8

7. AAA // @aaatheonlyway

8. Jocewavy // @jocewavy

9. Jeeniius // @jeeniius

10. Jimmy Ayeni // @jimmyayeni

Top 10 Collectives

1. Nine8 Collective // @nine8collective

2021 saw individual members of London-based NiNE8 Collective's shine; with members such as Nayana IZ gracing various festival stages such as XTheTracks after a strong year of releases. Songstress Biig Piig boasted support slots on the U.K. tour of Glass Animals as well as the US and Canada tour of Emotional Oranges. Lava La Rue also recently just graced the cover of Rollacoaster magazine. Individually it's clear the collective have plans to continue to disrupt the status quo, but infact together the collective may be destined to be unstoppable. With a sold-out headline show in August at Village Underground, a cover feature on Clash Magazine and Nyon Japan and an incredible tour of the UK and Europe, NiNE8 Collective took 2021 by storm with 2022 looking to be even stronger.

Collectives Top 10 Ranking Based On Votes:

2. Motherlan Clan // @ourmotherlan

3. Last Night In Paris // @lnip

4. Azeema // Azeemamag

5. Elevation Meditation // @elevationmeditation

6. One Room // @oneroomlive

7. We Ain't Regular // @weaintregular

8. Sxwks // @sxwks

9. Eastern Margins // @easternmargins

Top 10 Set Designers

1. Jade Adeyemi // @adeyumyum

Winner of the top spot of Top 10 Set Designer, Jade Adeyemi is one of the fastest growing Set Designers/Art Directors in the UK, with various amazing projects under her belt, this year proved to be another one full of incredible achievements. Jade boasts work with brands such as the Richard Quinn for their A/W21 presentation, advertisements and multiple music videos this year as well as being selected as one of the Top 50 New Wave creatives by British Fashion Council in 2021. Jade is definitely poised to have a monster 2022 and it will be well deserved.

Set Designers Top 10 Ranking Based On Votes:

2. King Owusu // @king__owusu

3. Ibby Njoya // ibbynjoya

4. Rita Ade // @ritz_da_builder

5. Louis Gibson // @louis.gibson

6. Nara Lee // @naralee_creative

7. Charlotte Toon // @lottienot

8. Samuel Overs // @samuel.overs

9. Polly Philp // @polly_setdesign

10. Thomas Bird // @thomasbird

Top 10 Creative Directors

1. Clint419 // @clint419

Number 1 on the Top 10 Creative Director category is the creative director of one the fastest growing streetwear brands, Corteiz, in London, Clint419, set the precedent in 2021 for a new direction for streetwear brands in the new era. Clint's outstanding visual campaigns are always a talking point upon release and quickly gaining himself notoriety for his launch campaigns. He also hosted multiple pop-ups in various major cities across Europe, the enigmatic aura and feel of the Corteiz brand saw the pop-ups flooded with seas of people clamoring for a chance to purchase the brand's latest releases. To add, the late great Virgil Abloh donned the Corteiz brand regularly months before his passing, and subsequently had a meeting with Clint; pictures are worth a thousand words but for now I think it's safe to say that Clint indeed Rulez The World.

Creative Directors Top 10 Ranking Based On Votes:

2. Yaga Moto // @yagamoto

3. Bianca Saunders // @biancasaunders

4. Samuel Ross // @design.by.sameulross

5. Priya Ahluwalia // @priya.ahluwalia1

6. Ola Alabi // @olaalabi_

7. Junior Clint // @junior.clint

8. Jack Harper // @jackharper____

9. Maximillian Davis // @_mvximilian_

10. Bethany Williams // @bethany_williams_london

Top 10 Stylists

1. Ib Kamara // @ibkamara

Ibrahim Kamara is a British stylist who challenges conventional notions of menswear and masculinity with his distinctive styling and art direction through his work. What hasn't Ib Kamara done this year? 2021 has seen Kamara named editor-in-chief of DAZED, styling for Off White SS21 and Louis Vuitton campaign 5, whilst also styling for Burberry AW21, ERDEM, AW21 Maximillian Davis, Acne Studios, and the list goes on. 2022 promises to be an incredible year for the hugely influential stylist.

Stylist Top 10 Ranking Based On Votes:

2. Natalie Roar // @natalieroar

3. Toni Blaze // @toniblaze

4. James Loach // @jamesloachco

5. Ola Ebiti // @olaoluebiti

6. Jermaine Robinson // @jermainerrobinson

7. Nicole Vernon // @nicole_vernon

8. Ademide Udoma // @adeudo

9. Jonathan Johnson // @iamjonjohnson

10. Malcolm Yaeng // @malcolmyaeng

Top 10 Interdisciplinary Artists

1. Jack Harper // @jackharper____

Winner of the top spot for Top 10 Interdisciplinaries, Jack Harper, is a creative mind that understands the importance of creativity with purpose over aesthetics. As the founder and creative director of his own label Aeliza, Jack embraced the role of creative director and really showed in his work with his purposeful photography, visual production, graphic design, and communications for the brand. Coining the term "ethos-wear" which he describes as a set of values epitomized into a physical garment, Jack made and continues to make an effort to create with the purpose of developing conversation and thought. Alongside fashion, Jack also made an impact with his design this year, working with the Design Museum on their sneaker exhibition in collaboration with Stockx. Jack was also involved in the production of an Off White x Nike campaign titled 'Game Changer' as well as designer of the Vinyl packaging for artist Theo Croker.

Interdisciplinaries Top 10 Ranking Based On Votes:

2. Yinka Ilori // @yinka_ilori

3. Ademide Udoma // @adeudo

4. Jamie A Waters // @jamie_a_waters

5. GEO // @geodesigns1

6. Ronan Mckenzie // @ronanksm

7. Crowns & Owls // @crownsandowls

8. Manu Pillai // @haiimmanu

9. Butler Archive // @butlerarchive

10. Duncan Loudon // @duncan_loudon

Top 10 Artists

1. Slawn // @olaoluslawn

One of the most inventive artists of modern times, Slawn continued to push the boundaries in 2021. With creative marketing campaigns that led to multiple sold-out auctions on his Instagram, painting on interesting canvases in the form of rustic Mercedes-Benz's and a double-decker bus, there seems to be no stopping Slawn. Along with this, he collaborated with Louis Vuitton and his art is home to the likes of Skepta and Lil Uzi. In September, the artist with a very animated style, similar to that of Keith Hering, also put together a solo exhibition titled 'I Don't F*cking Know' - a fitting title as he has been quoted expressing the level of freedom and spontaneity of his work. We look forward to many more achievements from Slawn in the new year.

Artists Top 10 Ranking Based On Votes:

2. Adebayo Bolaji // @adebayobolaji

3. Ryan Hawaii // @ryanhawaii

4. Jaffa Saba // @jaffasaba

5. Connor Kawaii // @connorkawaii

6. Kelvin Okafor // @kelvinokafor_art

7. Butler Archive // @butlerarchive

8. Crazed Wrld // @crazedwrld

9. Josh Jen // @novus.amor

10. Rezalom // @rezalom

Top 10 Makeup Artists

1. BlessingK // @blessingk.mua

MUA of Zimbabwean heritage, Blessing K is a firm believer that “beauty is not privilege but a right that everybody is entitled to”. Her authenticity and talent is undeniable and has captivated clients and audiences alike, having worked along side international powerhouses such Samsung, Nike Air Jordan and Channel 4 it is no doubt that her mission to “put myself in a position of power in order to empower others” is well underway. She boasts an eclectic client base with her work showcasing a natural but bold feel with her makeup; 2022 is definitely looking up for Blessing K.

MUA Top 10 Ranking Based On Votes:

2. Yolanda Dohr // @yolandadohr.mua

3. Mata Marielle // @mata_marielle

4. Karla Q Leon // @karlaqleon

5. Chiao Li Hsu // @chiaolihsu

6. Lucy J Bridge // @lucyjbridge

7. Jasmine Hugh // @lovehughmua

8. Ammy Drammeh // @ammydrammeh

9. Athena Paignton // @athenapaginton

10. Lotten Holmqvist // @lottenholmqvist

Top 10 Photographers

1. Ciesay // @ciesay

Ciesay is mostly recognised for his work with Places + Faces with the shooter being the go to for most of their brand campaign shoots. However, in 2021 Ciesay made a lot of impressive moves outside of the brand, shooting cktrl for Crack Magazine cover as well as Unknown T's 'Adolescence' mixtape cover. Not to mention Ciesay photographed the inaugural campaign for Billionaire Boys Club Class of '21 with 2022 looking even more successful for the photographer.

Photographers Top 10 Ranking Based On Votes:

2. Vicky Grout // @vickygrout

3. Danika Magdelena // @sirius.film

4. Finlay Flint // @finflint

5. Armand DaSilva // @armand.dasilva

6. Christina Ebenezer // @christinaebenezer_

7. Diego Martinez Chacon // @diegomartinezchacon

8. Olivia Lifungula // @olivialifungula

9. Elena Cremona // @elenacremona

10. Jenny Brough // @jenny__brough

Top 10 Producers

1. A2 // @a2_vii

Winner of the Top slot for the Top 10 Producers nominee list, A2, hails from Croydon, more notably the famous "7" CR7 Croydon postcode along with artists such as Krept & Konan and Stormzy to name a few. 2021 saw A2 release his highly anticipated self-produced project 'Just So You Know'; that and his attendance at various shows across the country this summer, the Croydon producer has had an strong year and is poised for an even stronger 2022. He topped off the year with as feature on Sainte's 'Summer Is Blue' capping off what has been a top year for A2. We know A2 is widely recognised for his rapping ability and melodies but his slow, dark, hi-hat heavy production has also carved new lanes for artists in the new age of UK rap and his influences can be seen throughout the scene and even beyond.

Producers Top 10 Ranking Based On Votes:

2. Jevon // @jevonofficial

3. Vinch // @vinchsound

4. Jay Trench // @jaytrench

5. Kelvin Krash // @kelvinkrash

6. Elevated // @beatsbyelevated

7. Brad Baker // @bbviiv

8. Fwdslxsh // @fwdslxsh

9. Redda // @killredda

10. Hermxn // @hermxn

Top 10 Event Platforms

1. Recess // @rec.ess

Winners of the top slot of the Top 10 Event Platforms nominee list, Recess have become a staple in black culture in London and is recognised for its exciting and family-oriented events and bringing people from various walks of life together. The Recess brand is now effectively synonymous with London's nightlife and is now recognised as the go-to brands for quality events, DJs, and experiential events. In 2021, Recess brought us some of the summer's most memorable events after being in Lockdown in the summer the year prior. Most notably, Recess hosted 4 Dates of events in July and August as well as The Weekender Event at Boxpark headlined by Davido. Recess is also the sister company of one of the biggest success stories coming out of Lockdown No Signal Radio with Recess being used as the experiential outlet for the 10v10 series that was very popular during the lockdown.

Event Platforms Top 10 Ranking Based On Votes:

2. IAMNEXT Platform // @iamnextplatform

3. 180 Studios // @180.studios

4. Bossy LDN // @bossyldn

5. TRIBE // @tribe.wearetribe

6. Platform LDN // @platformldn

7. One Room // @oneroomlive

8. Hit You On The Rebound // @hityouontherebound

9. Ultra Beam // @ultrabeam

10. Style & Sounds // @styleandsoundhi

Top 10 Directors

1. Gabriel Moses // @gabrielomoses

Young director Gabriel Moses has had an outstanding 2021, to say the least. Gabriel has his hand in various commercial and artistic projects this year, directing the Beats by Dre commercial which featured Pa Salieu and Joy Crookes, he also directed a film for Dazed and converse titled 'Manifesto of Change'. To add to that, the director also featured an Independent film "IJO" at the illustrious 180 Strand, and worked with various brands on magazine specials and campaigns, such as Celine, Burberry, and Bottega Venetta to name a few, with the latter being the cover story featuring Skepta and Little Simz for 032c magazine.

Directors Top 10 Ranking Based On Votes:

2. Foolish Professionals // @foolishprofessionals

3. Chris Chuky // @chris.chuky

4. Crowns & Owls // @crownsandowls

5. Wesley Joseph // @wesleyjoseph__

6. Ebeneza Blanche // @filmbyebs

7. Fenn O'Meally // @fenn_omeally

8. The Rest // @therest

9. Nate Burland // @nateburland

10. _____

Top 10 Models

1. Eva Apio // @evssofficial

Continuing in the trajectory of her amazing 2020, winner of the Top 10 Models category, Eva Apio has also had an amazing year this year. With three magazine covers, one being our Issue IX cover story and campaigns with various brands in Luxury, beauty, and fast fashion, Eva has continued to showcase her versatile appeal in 2021. Some of her notable projects this year include activations with Louis Vuitton, Burberry, and Fendi as well as featuring in a campaign for mainstream online shopping company ASOS and we expect Eva to continue to set pace as she gears up for a strong 2022.

Models Top 10 Ranking Based On Votes:

2. KwolleM // @kwollem

3. Tanatswa // @tnastwa

4. Aweng Chuol // @awengchuol

5. Jonah // @fourjonah

6. Ottawa Kwami // @ottawakwami

7. Sienna King // @siennawho

8. Haruna Jebak // @harunajebak

9. Naomi Janumala // @naomiejanumala

10. Babacar // @thankyoubabacar

Top 10 Artists To Watch

1. Ojerime // @ojerime

The Alternative R&B singer continued to showcase her exemplary take on the legendary genre as she blew up 2021. Her sound continued to exhibit and showcase the richness and depth that the U.K.'s R&B and surrounding scenes have to offer, which was clearly on display for her stunning Colors Studio performance of "Often Enough"; that coupled with her various London shows across the year, collaborations with Boiler Room, Telfar, NTS Radio and more at this early stage of her career shows the demand for her unique sound and why she's one of the U.K.'s brightest talents who is destined for an incredible 2022.

Artists To Watch Top 10 Ranking Based On Votes:

2. Finn Foxell // @finnfoxell

3. Obongjayar // @obongjayar

4. Louis Culture // @louisculture

5. Kasien // @kasienx

6. Pip Millett // @pipmillett

7. Berwyn // @berwynberwynberwyn

8. Cityboymoe // @cityboymoe

9. Wesley Joseph // wesleyjoseph__

10. BXKS // @bxksintokyo

Top 10 Hairstylists

1. Karla Q Leon // @karlaqleon

Karla Q Leon is not only recognised for her excellent work in Makeup but also her ability to create unique and creative hairstyles that will leave you in amazement. Karla has has an extremely productive year, working on editorials for various publications such as Crack, Dazed, and Vogue Italia. In the process, Karla has also been part of projects for major brands such as Gucci, Calvin Klein, and Places + Faces in 2021. Some of the subjects of her amazing work have been impressive also, as she has had the pleasure of beautifying the likes of Amber Mark, Pink Pantheress, Ojerime, and Obongjayar. One of our favorite projects from the Hairstylist this year is her work on the Anciela AW21 campaign. Next year is expected to be another exciting year for her.

Hairstylists Top 10 Ranking Based On Votes:

2. Shamara Roper // @shamara_roper

3. Lauraine Bailey // @laurainebailey

4. Roku Roppongi // @rokuroppongi

5. Issac Poleon // @issacvpoleon

6. Moe Mukai // @moemukai23

7. Ernesto Montenovo // @camden4

8. Claire Moore // @clmorhair

9. Virgine Moreira // @vpintomoreira

10.____