BBC Radio 1Xtra head Dari Samuels has told Music Week that Black music is in "a really exciting place" as he prepares to celebrate his first anniversary in the role.
South London-raised Samuels, who began his 1Xtra journey as a broadcast assistant in 2002, is responsible for directing the station’s programming and curation across all platforms, having succeeded Faron McKenzie in the top job last September.
Speaking in our latest issue, he said the brand sets out to "celebrate the past, present and future of Black music, but also the communities that surround it".
“We’re discussing the things that matter to our young, diverse audience," said Samuels. "My job is to make sure that what we deliver excites, amongst all the noise.
“We’re in a really exciting place in terms of Black music in the UK and globally. I think the fact that we are so interconnected locally, but also internationally, means there’s the opportunity to communicate those conversations. Or express those conversations between the artist and their parents who might be from different parts of the world, and how those influences affect their life, the music they make, and how that echoes back to those places around the world."
We’re talking about things that are wider than music, and we’re doing that on a regular basis
Dari Samuels
Notable recent features have included Burna Boy, Denzel Washington, Will Smith, FLO, Mabel, Summer Walker and Sasha Keable.
"We’re talking about things that are wider than music, and we’re doing that on a regular basis," said Samuels. "Things like Will Smith talking about what happened at the Oscars, and deep conversations around faith and moments of significance for him. Or Damson Idris who came on the breakfast show with Nadia Jae… We tracked down one of the earliest supporters of his acting career, played him a message they sent and his emotional response. That’s the spirit that exists at 1Xtra that I’m very proud of.”
With a focus on nurturing and developing the musicians and radio presenters of the future, 1Xtra has provided a platform for star hosts such as DJ Target, Tiffany Calver, Remi Burgz, Sian Anderson, Nadia Jae and Kenny Allstar to grow into household names.
"Whether it’s DJ Target, Kenny Allstar or Sian Anderson, I’m very proud of the work they do," said Samuels. "They’re so tapped into the communities and artists that are trying to make names for themselves. Sir Spyro has been crucial to the grime scene. I’m still very much excited by the new talent that he engages with when he’s DJing. So we try to bring that energy onto the airways day in, day out.
“Community radio stations, podcasts and social media platforms provide such great opportunities for new presenters to hone their broadcasting skills, develop their own voice and showcase their talent. So, I’m always keeping an ear out for new presenter talent that could play a part in 1Xtra’s future."
Our goal is to be that premier place that fans of Black music and culture go to deepen and celebrate their passion
Dari Samuels
When it comes to the artistic talent pipeline, Samuels insisted that "uncovering, championing and supporting" new UK acts was "at the heart” of 1Xtra's mission.
"I’m open to exploring new ways of developing artists and we have different levels of support we give to them," he said. "BBC Introducing is catering to those unheard, undiscovered talents we have and from there and through our specialist shows, we have different levels of support we give to those who are new and emerging.
"We’re providing a platform for the likes of Odeal, Tiana Major9, Ruger and other up-and-comers. International names as well as UK artists. They’re given that platform to show their artistry, personality and what they have to offer. We always want to do more of it.”
Ultimately, Samuels said he was motivated by "the desire to find unique, creative ways to present culture".
"As audiences, technology and the industry change, it’s about evolving the way we do that," he concluded. "I’m deeply passionate about championing new talent, whether that’s artists, producers or presenters, and as long as I’m doing that and audiences appreciate it, I’ll continue to do it.
"Our goal is to be that premier place that fans of Black music and culture go to deepen and celebrate their passion for those things. It’s where I want artists to want to come to showcase their talent. Those are the missions for the station, and for me, it’s more about the journey than the destination.”
Subscribers can read the full interview with Samuels here.
