Black History Month begins: UK anthems that changed the game

We are kicking off Black History Month with a celebration of the artists and anthems that shaped the sound of the UK. This is not just a playlist — it is a powerful tribute to Black British music and its influence across generations. From jungle and garage to grime, soul and R&B, this week’s Throwback Thursday is stacked with legends. Expect energy, emotion and undeniable classics all the way through.

We’ve got Ms Dynamite's raw fire, Dizzee Rascal’s game-changing grime, and Sade’s smooth, timeless soul. Seal, Kano, Estelle, Roots Manuva, Ray BLK, Mark Morrison, Smiley Culture, Monsta Boy — they are all here. These are the voices that defined eras, broke boundaries and set the blueprint. Every track in this mix still hits. No skips, no fillers, just a nonstop celebration of sound, culture and legacy.

And if you want to lock in, it's easy. Just say, 'ask BBC Sounds to play 1Xtra' on your smart speaker.

Heading on holiday outside the UK? Take the BBC Sounds app with you wherever you are, or you can stream 1Xtra live at bbc.com/audio, along with all your other favourite BBC radio stations.

Produced by BBC Audio for BBC Radio 1Xtra.