BBC 1Xtra live

BBC Radio 1Xtra is the BBC's national station for the best new Black music, and the sister station of BBC Radio 1. It is the home of hip hop, R&B, grime, UK rap, drill, Afrobeats, dancehall, amapiano and garage, and it has played a huge part in bringing British artists from these scenes to a mainstream audience. On this page you can listen to BBC 1Xtra live online for free.

Championing new music since 2002

1Xtra launched in August 2002 as one of the BBC's new digital stations, created to serve young audiences who loved urban music and to give UK artists a national platform. Over the years it has supported the rise of many of the country's biggest names in grime and rap, often playing their music long before it reached the charts. The station works closely with Radio 1, sharing events, live sessions and talent.

What you will hear

Daytime shows on 1Xtra mix the biggest hip hop and R&B tracks with brand-new UK releases, while evening and weekend programmes focus on specialist genres such as grime, Afrobeats, dancehall, gospel and dance. The station is known for live sessions, freestyles and the 1Xtra Live events, and its presenters include respected DJs from the club and radio worlds. 1Xtra also covers news and culture relevant to its audience, with documentaries and special programmes throughout the year.

How to listen to 1Xtra

BBC Radio 1Xtra is a digital station, so it is not on FM. You can hear it on DAB digital radio across the UK, on digital TV, smart speakers and BBC Sounds, where mixes and shows are also available on demand. The easiest option is to press play above and listen to 1Xtra live straight away on your mobile, tablet or computer. If you like 1Xtra, you may also enjoy BBC Radio 1, Capital XTRA, Capital XTRA Reloaded, KISS FM UK and Mi-Soul Radio, all on our site.

For the freshest sounds from the UK and around the world, BBC Radio 1Xtra is where the culture lives.

• 100% free, no sign-up
• Live stream, 24 hours a day
• Listen from anywhere
• Works on phone and computer