BBC Radio 1Xtra launches Black dance music show hosted by Jeremiah Asiamah

BBC Radio 1Xtra has launched a new weekly radio show dedicated to Black dance music culture, hosted by British-Ghanain DJ Jeremiah Asiamah (via DJMag).

Taking place every week, with a two-hour slot every Friday between 7:PM and 9:PM, The 1Xtra Rave Show will focus on jungle, drum & bass, amapiano, afro house, garage and more.

At 8:30PM, the show will host the Get Lit Mix for the last half hour of the show, which Asiamah had previously hosted on the radio stations.

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Other segments on the show include the 7:30PM 'Rising Record', which spotlights fresh releases, and the 8:PM Classics Mix, where Asiamah goes into the archives of important records by Black artists who have been influential in developing the dance music sound.

Speaking to Mixmag about the new show and its importance, Asiamah said: "It's undeniable that electronic music has been inspired by Black music and culture, which is why I am so grateful that after 20 years we now have a show every Friday from 7:PM dedicated to this genre; to soundtrack indoor or outdoor ravers, covering a wide spectrum of electronic music and BPMs from house, afro tech, garage, amapiano, jungle etc – An environment made for every raver."

Announcing the news in an Instagram post, Asiamah said: “A new show has come to 1Xtra, and it’s all about championing Black dance culture.

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“And we call this the 1Xtra Rave Show, with me Jeremiah Asiamah every single Friday night,” he continued. “At 8:30, I select some of the biggest and upcoming DJs to show us how they get lit on a Friday night.

“And don’t forget – this is where the rave begins.”

Asiamah first made his name as a broadcaster on Brixton’s Reprezent Radio, where he hosted a variety of slots, before moving permanently to the BBC in January 2020.

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The show comes as part of an increasing effort to spotlight the importance of Black culture and people to dance music. Last year, the MOBO Awards launched a Best Electronic/Dance Act category, supported by Mixmag, and in conjunction with Club BEMA – consisting of Jaguar Heléna Star, NIKS and Hannah Shogbola.

Nia Archives won the award in December, telling Mixmag: “I’m honestly lost for words!

“Winning tha MOBO for best electronic/dance act is beyond my wildest dreams. Growing up watching the awards I never once thought I’d be there one day… let alone accepting an award,” she continued.

Listen back to the first Get Lit Mix on the 1Xtra Rave Show, recorded by Uncle Waffles here.

Isaac Muk is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow him on Twitter