How does the selection process work?

First round – Registration

  • December 19, 2025: registration period starts
  • January 9, 2026: registration period closes

Second round – Studio session

  • January 16, 2026: announcement of 5 candidates
  • Saturday, January 24, 2026: studio session at GIGANT (12:30 PM – 6:00 PM)
  • At the end of the day, the jury announces the 3 finalists.

Third round – Final

  • Thursday evening, January 29, 2026
  • Final in the Walviszaal of GIGANT (7:30 PM – 9:30 PM)
  • All finalists perform live. Afterwards, the new city rapper is chosen.

Appointment

The committee nominates one candidate to the mayor and aldermen. Alderman Sunita Biharie ultimately appoints the new City Rapper of Apeldoorn 2026.

For updates, visit the City Rapper page.