BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Live Lounge Month will return in January 2026 with some of the hottest names in RnB, Rap, Reggae and Lovers Rock set to perform.
Running every Tuesday and Thursday in Remi Burgz drivetime show (Monday-Friday, 4pm-7pm), BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Live Lounge Month will showcase a wide range of musical genres with different artists taking to the stage to perform a mix of their own tracks and surprise covers, followed by an exclusive interview with Remi Burgz. All performances will take place at 6pm.
BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Live Lounge Month 2026 line-up is:
Tuesday 13 January - Haile – A versatile multi genre artist from West London, Haile seamlessly blends genres from Reggae and Dancehall to RnB, Afropop and Hip Hop.
Thursday 15 January - Mnelia –London born singer-songwriter Mnelia embodies British RnB intertwined with elements of Afrobeats, Drill and Hip Hop.
Tuesday 20 January - Samm Henshaw – English RnB and Soul singer, songwriter and record producer, Samm Henshaw has toured with Chance the Rapper, James Bay and Allen Stone.
Thursday 22 January - Elmiene – Neo-soul singer, Elmiene placed fifth in BBC Radio 1’s Sound Of 2024 and was nominated for the BRIT Rising Star Award in 2025.
Tuesday 27 January - Kwn – a singer, songwriter, rapper and producer, 2025 saw Kwn receive nominations for Best New International Act at the 2025 BET Awards, be named Billboard’s RnB Rookie of the Month and be included on NME’s 100 list of essential emerging artists. Kwn also appeared on Radio 1’s Sound Of 2026 longlist.
Thursday 29 January - Kojey Radical – British musician, creative director and mixed media visual artist, Kojey Radical mixes Grime, Hip Hop, Alternative Rap and Spoken Word.
Elmiene says: “1Xtra’s Live Lounge might actually be one of my first performances of 2026, so I’m really looking forward to it. It feels like a really fun way to start the year - especially with my debut album on the way.”
Mnelia says: “I've always wanted to do a Live Lounge. It’s something that I grew up watching and feels like a long time coming. I'm just really excited to be able to do it. Live Lounge feels like a becoming, and I'll finally be ticking it off my bucket list. A real big tick.”
Remi Burgz says: “Live Lounge Month is back. We are starting off the year in the best possible way, inviting some of our favourite UK talent into our musical arena. How about we give you the live versions of some of your favourite songs and more to indulge in? I can’t wait to see what the artists all come with. Bring It On.”
Dari Samuels, Head of BBC Radio 1Xtra, says: “I’m delighted that 1Xtra’s Live Lounge Month will return in January, the perfect way to kick off 2026. We have a brilliant mix of artists lined up, including some that 1Xtra have been championing since the start of their careers. It’s going to be an unforgettable month of music, and I can’t wait to listen in!”
All performances from 1Xtra’s Live Lounge Month can be heard on Radio 1Xtra and BBC Sounds every Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm from Tuesday 13 January, and will be available to watch on demand on Radio 1Xtra’s BBC iPlayer and YouTube channels.
