Miami Music Week 2026: The Spectacular Femmy Awards

The whirlwind of events at Miami Music Week is well known, yet one jewel in its crown stands out — the Femmy Awards. In its second year, this celebration of women artists and industry professionals in dance music proved to be an unmissable highlight amidst a chaotic schedule. Hosted at the magnificent Palm Tree Club on March 26, 2026, attendees were graced with a stunning bayside view, perfect weather, and an atmosphere bursting with empowerment.

Honoring the Right Trailblazers

The Femmy Awards, organized by Femme House, were established to honor the remarkable contributions of women and their allies in the dance music industry. Founded by LP Giobbi and Hermixalot, Femme House aims to create an equitable and inclusive industry for everyone involved. This year’s ceremony witnessed a parade of familiar faces from the industry as they came together to celebrate and uplift each other.

Among the many notable figures present was techno leader Sara Landry, who made headlines by shifting her keynote speech at the Winter Music Conference to be part of the festivities. The heart of the evening was not just to highlight the winners, but to foster a sense of community and shared purpose.

Winners That Inspire

The awards themselves were a testament to the diverse talents shaping the contemporary landscape of dance music. This year’s winners included Aluna Francis, honored as the Culture Shifter of the Year, and Sophia Kearney, recognized as Agent of the Year. Megan Venzin, from DJ Mag, took home Best Music Journalist, while Bina Fronda of Ultra Records received the inaugural Theresa Velasquez Award for Outstanding Executive. French producer Emjie was celebrated as the Rising Star, solidifying an impressive roster of honorees that inspired attendees.

Breakout Events Throughout the Week

The Femmy Awards were just one star in a constellation of Femme House x Miami Music Week events. Among these was a panel discussion that filled the room with passionate dialogue about sustainable career-building and challenging industry norms. Featuring LP Giobbi, Anja Schneider, Alicia Karlin from The Circuit Group, Hilary Gleason, Lisa Ritchey from Spotify, and artists Suzi Analouge and Emjie, the panel addressed crucial topics surrounding inclusivity and growth within the dance music community.

Following the discussion, the Femme House Changemakers Dinner took place at the stylish Mary Lou’s inside the W South Beach. This was yet another opportunity for networking and bonding over shared experiences. The evening featured MajestyofDivinity, winner of the Femme House and Insomniac’s Discovery Project contest, who not only attended but also treated the crowd to her music performances throughout the event.

Memorable Moments from the Femmy Awards

The Femmy Awards ceremony was filled with unforgettable moments, blending laughter and heartfelt sentiments.

Sara Landry Presents Tokimonsta’s Award

One electrifying moment was when Sara Landry presented the Artist of the Year award to the beloved indie dance pioneer, Tokimonsta. Landry lauded Tokimonsta’s masterful ability to create immersive soundscapes that resonate with listeners. Her acknowledgement of Tokimonsta’s significant accomplishments highlighted the power of trusting oneself and the importance of creativity over time. The heartfelt words struck a chord with the audience, marking a high point in the evening.

Mary Droppinz’s Inspiring Speech

Another standout was Mary Droppinz’s acceptance of the Carolyn Horn Trailblazer Award. In her emotional speech, she reflected on her journey from a Liberian refugee to a celebrated artist. Droppinz emphasized the importance of community, sisterhood, and the unwavering support that propelled her forward. Her dedication to following one’s dreams resonated deeply with everyone in attendance, sparking a wave of applause throughout the room.

Val Fleury: Community Member of the Year

The award for Community Member of the Year, presented to Val Fleury, also delivered a powerful message. Her journey, from a childhood in Liberia to becoming a successful producer, illustrated the profound impact of resilience and passion. Val encouraged listeners not to be deterred by their backgrounds and to embrace their unique voices. Her call for representation and encouragement to support others added a layer of solidarity to the festival’s overarching theme.

Anja Schneider: Recognized as a Pioneer

The evening continued to resonate with the presence of Anja Schneider, who received the Pioneer Award. Recognized for embodying the spirit of connection that dance music thrives on, Schneider expressed gratitude for her long journey in the industry. Her call for continued progress echoed the sentiments shared by many throughout the festivities.

Ultra Naté Focusing on Empowerment

Ultra Naté, a luminary in house music, received the Voice of House Award. Her words about the importance of keeping business affairs in check, while pursuing artistic passion, provided a reality check for many upcoming artists. Naté urged her fellow women in the industry to build solid teams around them, a reminder that career success is often as much about strategy as it is about creativity.

A Celebration of Empowerment

The Femmys not only celebrated achievements but also fostered meaningful conversations within the industry. Each speech, each award, and each performance emphasized the importance of community, representation, and inclusivity. The overarching message was clear: together, women in the dance music scene are forging a new path, amplifying the voices that have often been underrepresented, and creating a more vibrant and supportive industry.

It’s moments like these pop up during Miami Music Week that leave an indelible mark — not just on the attendees, but on the entire music industry.