BBC Radio 1Xtra

About BBC Radio 1Xtra

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Frequencies & locations:

• DAB – Available nationally on DAB Digital Radio across the UK.
• Freeview – Available on Freeview channel 701.
• Sky – Available on Sky channel 903 in the UK.
• Virgin Media – Available on Virgin Media channel 907.
• BBC Sounds – Available through BBC Sounds as BBC Radio 1Xtra.
• Online – Listen live online through Radio Player UK.

BBC Radio 1Xtra is the BBC’s national digital station for Black music and culture, with a strong focus on hip-hop, R&B, grime, Afrobeats, dancehall, UK garage and rap. The station gives major airtime to both established artists and new voices, making it one of the UK’s most important platforms for contemporary Black music.

The station’s sound is broader than a simple hip-hop or R&B playlist. 1Xtra moves between UK rap, grime sets, Afrobeats, dancehall, soulful R&B, club tracks, live DJ mixes and artist interviews, while also covering cultural stories, identity, events and conversations that matter to its audience. That mix gives it a sharper personality than a generic urban music station.

BBC Radio 1Xtra launched in 2002 and remains closely linked to BBC Radio 1 while keeping its own distinct identity. Its strength is the way it connects mainstream BBC reach with music scenes that often grow from clubs, communities, online platforms and local movements before breaking nationally. For listeners who want current Black music, specialist DJs and UK culture in one place, 1Xtra is a key station.

Notable shows & presenters are:

• DJ Target: One of 1Xtra’s best-known voices, strongly associated with UK Black music, grime, hip-hop, club culture and major artist interviews.
• Kenny Allstar: Presenter and DJ known for championing UK rap, drill, grime and street-led sounds, with a strong reputation for freestyle and rap-focused programming.
• Sian Anderson: Presenter, DJ and broadcaster connected with grime, UK rap, club sounds and culture-led programming on 1Xtra.
• Remi Burgz: 1Xtra presenter known for high-energy radio, music discovery, interviews and a strong connection with younger listeners.
• Nadia Jae: Presenter associated with daytime 1Xtra output, bringing music, entertainment, interviews and listener interaction to the schedule.
• Rampage: DJ collective and 1Xtra presenters known for weekend energy, R&B, hip-hop, dancehall, party tracks and live DJ sets.
• Kash and Pharxoh: 1Xtra presenters and DJs connected with club-led programming, live events and the station’s wider Black music culture output.
• 1Xtra’s Official UK Afrobeats Chart Show: A specialist chart show focused on Afrobeats, highlighting one of the station’s key sounds and the growth of African music in the UK.

Contact Information

Official website:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra

Studio:
0870 412 1111

Postal address:
BBC Radio 1Xtra
BBC Broadcasting House
Portland Place
London
W1A 1AA
United Kingdom

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbc1xtra/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbc1xtra/

X / Twitter: https://x.com/1Xtra

BBC Radio 1Xtra FAQ

What is BBC Radio 1Xtra?
BBC Radio 1Xtra is a national BBC digital radio station focused on Black music and culture, including hip-hop, R&B, grime, Afrobeats, dancehall, rap and UK garage.

Can I listen to BBC Radio 1Xtra live online?
Yes. You can listen to BBC Radio 1Xtra live online through Radio Player UK using the player on this page.

What music does BBC Radio 1Xtra play?
BBC Radio 1Xtra plays hip-hop, R&B, grime, UK rap, Afrobeats, dancehall, UK garage, soul, club tracks, specialist DJ mixes and new Black music from the UK and around the world.

Is BBC Radio 1Xtra available on DAB?
Yes. BBC Radio 1Xtra is available nationally on DAB Digital Radio in the UK, as well as on Freeview, Sky, Virgin Media, BBC Sounds and online.

Who are some BBC Radio 1Xtra presenters?
BBC Radio 1Xtra presenters and shows include DJ Target, Kenny Allstar, Sian Anderson, Remi Burgz, Nadia Jae, Rampage, Kash and Pharxoh, plus specialist shows such as the Official UK Afrobeats Chart Show.