The impact of Black British music

Richie Brave hosts a special edition of 1Xtra Talks reflecting how Black British music shapes culture, identity and voice across the country. The show prioritises music artists and industry guests rooted in lived experience. It connects generations, centres regional UK voices and reflects the energy and influence of Black British music right now.

The programme includes Tippa Irie, tracing the roots of south London sound system culture and its direct influence on fast MC styles, from dancehall to grime and UK rap.

Richie also takes the audience beyond London through excerpts of live OB recordings in Leicester, Liverpool and Bradford with artists including Trillary Banks, Koj, and Kenzo Jae; emerging and established artists sharing how their cities shape their sound, representing regional identity and creativity.

The show could also include the continuing relevance of the MOBOs with Mary Mandefield, and we have the founders of the Welsh Black Music awards on their inaugural event.

From the studio, Swiss of So Solid Crew joins Charisse Beaumont from Black Lives In Music to unpack key findings from their recent UK music survey, and Donae’O reflects on how neurodiversity influences his work.
Produced by Unedited for BBC Radio 1Xtra.