BBC Radio 1Xtra
We Do This For The Culture
BBC Radio 1Xtra is a UK national digital radio station from the BBC, dedicated to Black music and culture. Available online, on BBC Sounds and on DAB Digital Radio, BBC Radio 1Xtra plays a wide mix of hip-hop, R&B, grime, rap, reggae, dancehall, afrobeats, amapiano and other contemporary urban sounds for listeners across the UK.
About BBC Radio 1Xtra
Local time:
BBC Radio 1Xtra is part of the BBC's national radio portfolio and operates as the sister station to BBC Radio 1. Since launching in 2002, the station has built a strong identity around championing Black music, emerging talent and contemporary culture, giving listeners a place to hear everything from mainstream anthems to specialist shows and new UK sounds.
The station is known for playing a broad and current mix of hip-hop, rap, grime, drill, R&B, reggae, dancehall, afrobeats, amapiano, jungle, garage and related genres. That wide playlist helps BBC Radio 1Xtra appeal both to listeners looking for major artists and to audiences who want to discover rising names, specialist DJs and genre-led shows.
BBC Radio 1Xtra is available online via BBC Sounds, on DAB Digital Radio, and on digital TV platforms, making it easy to listen live across the UK. As a BBC service, it also sits within a wider network of national stations and shares a close relationship with BBC Radio 1, while maintaining its own distinct sound, presenters and cultural focus.
BBC Radio 1Xtra is likely to appeal to listeners who enjoy Black music, UK rap, grime, afrobeats, dancehall, R&B and specialist DJ-led shows, as well as people who want a station that reflects contemporary music culture, conversations and trends from across the UK and beyond.
Notable shows & presenters are:
- Trevor Nelson: Sundays from 11am-1pm, with classic R&B and hip-hop selections.
- David Rodigan: Sundays from 1pm-3pm, focusing on reggae and related sounds.
- Eddie Kadi: Sundays from 3pm-4pm, hosting the Official UK Afrobeats Chart Show.
- DJ Target: Saturdays from 7pm-9pm, helping kick-start the weekend with the Pre-Party Show.
- Kenny Allstar: Fridays from 11pm-12:30am, fronting the 1Xtra Rap Show.
- Richie Brave: Sundays from 9pm-10pm, presenting 1Xtra Talks with discussion-led content and guests.
More radio stations on BBC Sounds, from the BBC
Contact Information
Official website:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live/bbc_1xtra
Station contact / listener interaction:
WhatsApp: 0370 412 1111
BBC complaints / audience contact:
Phone: 03700 100 222
Postal address:
BBC Radio 1Xtra / BBC Broadcasting House
Portland Place
London
W1A 1AA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbc1xtra/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbc1xtra/
X / Twitter: https://x.com/1Xtra
BBC Radio 1Xtra UK FAQ
What is BBC Radio 1Xtra?
BBC Radio 1Xtra is the BBC's national digital radio station for Black music and culture, playing genres such as hip-hop, rap, grime, R&B, dancehall, reggae, afrobeats and amapiano.
How can I listen to BBC Radio 1Xtra live?
You can listen to BBC Radio 1Xtra live online via BBC Sounds, on DAB Digital Radio across the UK, and on a range of digital TV and connected devices.
What kind of music does BBC Radio 1Xtra play?
BBC Radio 1Xtra plays a wide mix of Black music and urban genres, including hip-hop, drill, grime, rap, R&B, soul, dancehall, reggae, afrobeats, amapiano, jungle and UK garage.
Is BBC Radio 1Xtra the same as BBC Radio 1?
BBC Radio 1Xtra is a sister station to BBC Radio 1, but it has its own separate identity and focuses more heavily on Black music, urban sounds, specialist shows and culture-led programming.
Who are some of the presenters on BBC Radio 1Xtra?
Well-known presenters and DJs associated with BBC Radio 1Xtra include Trevor Nelson, David Rodigan, DJ Target, Kenny Allstar, Eddie Kadi, Richie Brave, Snoochie Shy and others across its weekday and weekend schedule.
Is BBC Radio 1Xtra available across the UK?
Yes. BBC Radio 1Xtra is a UK national station and is available across the country on DAB Digital Radio, online and through BBC Sounds.
What is the Official UK Afrobeats Chart Show on BBC Radio 1Xtra?
The Official UK Afrobeats Chart Show is one of BBC Radio 1Xtra's notable specialist programmes and showcases charting afrobeats music, helping highlight one of the station's key genres.
Does BBC Radio 1Xtra have talk and speech content as well as music?
Yes. Alongside music programming, BBC Radio 1Xtra also carries news, discussion and culture-led shows, including speech-based content such as 1Xtra Talks.