There’s no denying it: Belgium does dance music right. The tiny country with a population under 12 million has given the world 2ManyDJs, Charlotte de Witte, Lost Frequencies, Netsky and of course gigantic mega-festival Tomorrowland. And this year’s Top 100 returnee, Yves V. 

 

A regular feature in the chart since bursting through in 2014, the Antwerp DJ has continued his globe-straddling gig schedule with sets in Mexico, America, Spain, China, Paraguay and Italy this year. Naturally, Tomorrowland loomed large in his calendar once more, with a seismic mainstage set that moved through the gears from sun-dappled house to meaty big-room beats, taking in more than 30 brilliantly-mixed tracks and samples. The Tomorrowland love-in continues next year too, as he’s been booked to play the week-long Tomorrowland Winter festival in March. 

 

Musically, his ‘We Got That Cool’ collaboration with Afrojack and Icona Pop was classic Yves, all bouncy house beats, infectious vocals and clever chords that smartly echoed past pop hits. And if that wasn’t enough, he’s one of the most active podcasters around, with his weekly V Sessions now nearing 250 episodes, with no sign of slowing down. Much like Belgium and its love affair with dance music.