BBC Radio 1Xtra launches Africa 360

A statement announcing the news on 19 March says the content includes live performances, special interviews, artist takeovers and brand new mixes from the north, south, east, west and central parts of the continent. Africa 360 will be updated every Monday with new mixes on the BBC Sounds platform. 

Additionally, each week, Africa 360 will invite leading artists and DJs to curate a playlist from their country. The first episode aired on 22 March with Nigerian Grammy winner Wizkid. 

From 25 March, BBC Sounds will feature exclusive mixes on 1Xtra of amapiano and Afro-house by DJs such as DJ Maphorisa, Major League DJz, DBN Gogo and many more. On the same day, Davido will perform on the Live Lounge during Yasmin Evans and Ace’s show. His performance will be available to watch later on 1Xtra’s YouTube Channel and BBC iPlayer.

“As a network, 1Xtra has always been at the forefront of championing the African music scene, and it’s important we continue to do so, not only by supporting current artists but by investing in the next generation of African artists,” the head of 1Xtra, Faron McKenzie, said. 

“... BBC Sounds series will authentically showcase the varied sounds from the continent spearheaded by icons of that region, whilst our amapiano to Afro-house music mixes will become a destination to hear the latest sounds from the pioneers and champions of this new and exciting genre.”

Africa 360 debuted on 21 March during the 1Xtra Weekend Breakfast with DJ Remi Burgz with music by Aya Nakamura, Diamond Platnumz, Sha Sha, Tiwa Savage, and others.

Up next was DJ Edu, who hosted the special Old Skool show looking back at some of the biggest moments in African music and reminiscing on classic tunes. Later that day, Richie Brave hosted the 1Xtra Talks Africa special, which looked at important social movements across the continent while speaking to young people from Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Uganda, Eritrea and Ethiopia.

“This is exciting! Africa 360 signifies the growing appreciation of African music here in the UK,” Remi Burgz said. “Even more so, it’s growth and influence worldwide is something you can’t ignore. You’re going to learn something new, and you’re going to hear bangers. Oh, and bring a bottle of water ­– because you’re definitely going to dance.”