Black History Month on KISS XTRA

This October, KISS XTRA is giving flowers to the people, communities and cultural moments that have shaped Black British life. From the legends who paved the way to the everyday heroes making a difference in their communities, we’re celebrating them all, on air and online.

HONOURING OUR COMMUNITIES

For Black History Month 2026, KISS XTRA is shining a spotlight on “Honouring Our Communities”

We’re celebrating the people who’ve shaped Black British music, culture and communities, from artists, DJs and producers to teachers, nurses, parents, mentors, community leaders and volunteers.

And because music is what we do best, we’re telling their stories through the sounds, voices and moments that bring them to life.

NIGERIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY SPECIAL

Thursday 1st October, from 4pm.

Henrie kicked off Black History Month with a special show celebrating Nigerian Independence Day.

As Nigeria marked 66 years of independence, the show celebrated the music, culture and global influence of the Nigerian diaspora, with big moments from Nigerian artists, exclusive guest interviews and a look at the impact Nigerian culture continues to have around the world.

BLACK HONOURS PLAYLISTS

Tuesday 13th, Wednesday 14th & Thursday 15th October, from 7pm.

Three special one-hour shows, hosted by Esi and Ace, celebrating the lives and legacies of Black British icons who we've lost.

We’ll celebrate the standout figures whose music and work continue to shape the culture today.

Expect music, memories, stories and history all wrapped up in the KISS XTRA sound.

THE PIONEER: SWAY — Hosted by Ace, Tuesday 13th October

Celebrating Sway’s contribution to the growth and visibility of UK grime and hip-hop.

THE STORYTELLER: CADET — Hosted by Esi, Wednesday 14th October

Celebrating Cadet’s impact on UK rap through his storytelling, vulnerability and authenticity and the way he used music to speak honestly about relationships, family, community and life.

THE PLATFORM BUILDER: JAMAL EDWARDS — Hosted by Esi, Thursday 15th October

Celebrating Jamal Edwards and the platform he built, which changed the game for a generation of UK artists and gave new talent a space to be discovered and celebrated.

AFRO-ELECTRONIC BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPECIAL

Saturdays 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st October, from 9pm.

Larizzle’s Afro-Electronic show is giving flowers all month long to the DJs making moves and pushing the culture forward.

Every week, a featured DJ steps into the Groove Mix, bringing their own sound, style and energy while celebrating the impact they’re making on Afro-Electronic music and culture.

GIVING YOU FLOWERS – THE TALENT SELECT

Monday 5th – Sunday 11th October

Time to give people their flowers! 🌺

All week, our KISS XTRA presenters are picking someone who deserves to be celebrated and putting their name in lights.

It could be an artist, producer, DJ, radio pioneer, songwriter, label exec, photographer, stylist or promoter. Or it could be a teacher, nurse, parent, mentor, community leader, friend or someone from your own ends.

Our presenters will tell us who they’ve chosen, what they’ve done and why they deserve their flowers, before playing a special track in their honour.

Because you don’t have to be famous to make an impact. Sometimes the people doing the most are the ones who get the least recognition.

GIVING YOU FLOWERS – THE AUDIENCE SELECT

Monday 12th – Sunday 18th October

Now it’s your turn.

Who deserves their flowers? Tell us who they are, what they’ve done and why they mean something to you.

We’ll also hear from some of the people you nominate, bringing their stories to life and giving our audience the chance to be part of Honouring Our Communities.

HONOURING COMMUNITIES: EDUCATIONAL CHATS

Henrie and Esi will be getting stuck into the conversations that matter, shining a light on issues that directly affect Black communities.