BBC 1Xtra launches HomeGrown Hero online poll

As part of 100% HomeGrown season, which launches today on BBC Radio 1Xtra, the station has launched an online poll at bbc.co.uk/1xtra to discover who listeners think is the most influential British black music act of all time.

The shortlist for HomeGrown Hero was selected by a panel of Radio 1Xtra DJs and Producers including Ras Kwame, Mistajam, Semtex and Target and features artists from the Eighties through to the present day spanning genres including soul, RnB, drum & bass and rap.

The acts shortlisted are:

Craig David
So Solid Crew
Dizzee Rascal
Goldie
Derek B
Aswad
Roni Size
Sade
Soul II Soul
Wiley

BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra DJ MistaJam says: “At a time when British music is gaining the worldwide recognition it deserves, we pay homage to and salute those trailblazers who helped build the foundation for this success. Each of the shorlisted pioneers is worthy of the title and I’m glad I don’t have to pick a final winner. One thing is for certain – the UK Music scene wouldn’t be where it is now if it weren’t for these artists.”

Radio 1Xtra DJ Ras Kwame, who presents the regular HomeGrown show on the station adds: “As much as the panellists have been immersed in home grown music over the years, choosing 10 acts to salute as groundbreakers in the field was pure blood, sweat and tears! The contributions of our chosen few to UK music and culture is a great indication of the bright future ahead for British talent.”

Radio 1Xtra hip-hop DJ Semtex adds: “The beauty of the UK scene is that it is vibrant, diverse and always evolving. The artists that we have chosen are unique visionaries; they are pioneers and trendsetters within their respective genres. Their contribution to the music industry and influence on popular culture cannot be denied. This list is our history.”

The poll forms part of three week-long season of special programming on Radio 1Xtra.

Week one looks at the past – celebrating the pioneers of black music; week two focuses on the current crop of artists on the scene, while week three looks to the future, taking a look at the home grown acts tipped for success in 2010 and beyond.

The result of the poll will be revealed on Sunday 28 February during the 100% HomeGrown Show.
Notes to Editors

Radio 1Xtra is the BBC’s black music digital radio station, with a strong emphasis on live music and supporting new UK artists. Its tagline is “Love black music Love 1Xtra”.

From hip-hop to RnB, garage to drum & bass, 1Xtra blends the best in black music with entertainment, documentaries and news.

1Xtra boasts a range of world class music DJs including Trevor Nelson, Tim Westwood, Mistajam and Semtex.

BBC Radio 1xtra is available on DAB Digital Radio, TV and Online.