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The Music Is Black: 1980s

As part of the BBC’s The Music is Black collaboration with V&A East Museum we take a look back at the Black British music that shaped dance floors in the 80s. From Brit Funk, Lovers Rock and Ska to early Acid House, Bleep Bass and Jungle.

A We Are Grape production for BBC 6 Music.

3 days left to listen

1 hour

Last on

Sun 6 Sep 2026 01:00
BBC Radio 6 Music

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Music Played

  • Freeez

    Southern Freez

    • Mr Bongo.

  • Loose Ends

    Hangin' On A String

    • Telstar.

  • Rhoda Dakar

    Let's Do Rocksteady

    • Moon Ska World.

  • Eddy Grant

    Electric Avenue

    • Crimson.

  • Incognito

    Shine On

    • Ensign.

  • Rick Clarke

    Potion

    • Z Records.

  • The Beatmasters

    Rok Da House (feat. Cookie Crew)

    • Rhythm King.

  • A Guy Called Gerald

    Voodoo Ray

    • Rham!.

  • Forgemasters

    Track With No Name

    • Warp Records.

  • Unique 3

    The Theme

    • Matador.

  • Lennie De Ice

    We Are I.E.

    • Distinctive Records.

  • Bomb the Bass

    Beat Dis

    • Virgin.

  • MC Duke

    I'm Riffin

    • Low Price Music.

  • Soul II Soul

    Fairplay (feat. Rose Windross)

    • UMC (Universal Music Catalogue).

  • Jaki Graham

    Set Me Free

    • Cherry Pop.

  • Carroll Thompson

    I'm So Sorry

    • E1 Recordings.

  • The Specials

    Ghost Town

Broadcasts

  • Sat 8 Aug 2026 00:00
    BBC Radio 6 Music
  • Sun 6 Sep 2026 01:00
    BBC Radio 6 Music

Featured in...

  • The Music is Black

    Celebrating Black British music, as part of a special season in collab with the V&A East.