BBC snubs Burna Boy, names Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, others for launch of ‘Africa 360’

Grammy Award winning Nigerian singer, Wizkid will present the first of 1Xtra’s Africa 360 with mix, which will take listeners on a musical journey of discovery across the continent, the BBC said in a statement.

The BBC Radio 1Xtra’s ‘Africa 360’ is a week of specially curated content celebrating African music and culture.

IDOMA VOICE observed that Grammy award-winning Nigerian singer and self-acclaimed ‘African Giant’, Burna Boy who is arguably the most trending African act in the UK currently, was snubbed by BBC in this ambitious project.

Apart from Wizkid, other acts that will be featured on the BBC’s ‘Africa 360’ include Aya Nakamura, Diamond Platnumz, Focalistic, ElGrandeToto, Sha Sha, Omah Lay, Tiwa Savage and Jae5.

The statement by BBC read; “During 1Xtra Breakfast with Nadia Jae this morning, the station introduced its Africa 360 playlist which will run through to 1Xtra Weekend Breakfast with Remi Burgz on Sunday 21 March. 100% of the music played on 1Xtra across this weekend will be from the continent of Africa covering North, South, East, West and Central and will include features from some of the hottest artists from these regions such as Aya Nakamura, Diamond Platnumz, Focalistic, ElGrandeToto, Sha Sha, Omah Lay, Tiwa Savage and Jae5.

“The celebrations will continue on-air championing the sounds, vibes and culture of Africa.

“On Sunday 21 March, DJ Edu will host a special Old Skool show (11am-1pm) looking back at some of the biggest moments in African music and reminiscing on old school tunes.”

There will be twenty mixes each presented by a different artist from each region of the continent. All twenty mixes will represent an eclectic mix of genres including Afrobeats, Afro Pop, Afrobashment, Ghanaian Drill and SA House. The mix will be updated with a new episode every Monday on BBC Sounds from 22 March and will also be broadcast on 1Xtra.

“As a network 1Xtra has always been at the forefront of championing the African music scene and it’s important we continue to do so, not only by supporting current artists but by investing in the next generation of African artists. 1Xtra’s ‘Africa 360 with…’ BBC Sounds series will authentically showcase the varied sounds from the continent spearheaded by icons of that region, whilst our ‘Amapiano to AfroHouse’ music mixes will become a destination to hear the latest sounds from the pioneers and champions of this new and exciting genre,” Faron McKenzie, Head of 1Xtra.