The Winner is … MERLIN HELLENKAMP.

The winner of the YOUNG JAZZ TALENT AWARD 2022 . DRUMS ONLY was chosen on 31 March 2022 at the Jazz Schmiede, Düsseldorf.

CONCERT TOUR OF THE WINNER
n autumn 2022 - in the period 20-23 September 2022 - Merlin Hellenkamp performed with his band in Dortmund, Cologne, Berlin and Düsseldorf. He presented himself and his band with new, own compositions under the title LOVE.
At 18, Merlin Hellkamp was the youngest of the four nominated drummers and showed himself to be an exceptional talent among the younger drummers in North Rhine-Westphalia. Among the other excellent candidates, he convinced the jury above all with the performance of his very well-structured solo piece. In addition to his vituose and technically excellent drumming, Merlin impressed the jury with his broad involvement in jazz and pop music, in which he is also active as a composer and singer.
In 2022, Merlin will be studying in the second semester at the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen Werden - Bachelor's degree programme "Jazz Performing Artist Drums" with lessons from Prof. Thomas Alkier and Sperie Karas.