Imagine kicking off a new year with a symphony of fresh beats, soulful melodies, and raw energy straight from the UK's hottest musical talents – that's the thrill of BBC Radio 1Xtra's Live Lounge Month lighting up 2026! But here's where it gets exciting: this isn't just any comeback; it's a celebration of rising stars and genre-blending wizards that could redefine what we call modern music. And this is the part most people miss – the magic happens live, with surprise twists that keep you on the edge of your seat.
For those new to the scene, the Live Lounge is like a backstage pass to intimate, unplugged performances where artists ditch the studio polish for raw, heartfelt renditions. Think of it as a cozy yet electrifying jam session, perfect for discovering hidden gems in RnB, Rap, Reggae, Lovers Rock, and beyond. In January 2026, it's making a triumphant return, hosted within Remi Burgz's vibrant drivetime slot from Monday to Friday, 4pm to 7pm. Every Tuesday and Thursday, at the prime 6pm slot, you'll witness a lineup of performers delivering their signature hits alongside unexpected covers of other songs, capped off with candid chats with Remi Burgz himself. It's all about that live buzz, where the energy in the room could spark the next big trend – or even a debate on whether these covers innovate or just remix the classics.
The stellar roster for this year's Live Lounge Month reads like a who's who of UK's emerging and established voices in diverse sounds. Let's break it down, starting with Tuesday, January 13th, where Haile takes the stage. Hailing from West London, this multi-talented artist effortlessly fuses Reggae and Dancehall rhythms with RnB smoothness, Afropop vibes, and Hip Hop flair – a true chameleon for music lovers who enjoy genre hopping without missing a beat.
Then, on Thursday, January 15th, get ready for Mnelia, a London-born singer-songwriter whose British RnB style dances with Afrobeats grooves, Drill intensity, and Hip Hop swagger. She's the kind of artist who grew up idolizing these very performances, making her appearance feel like destiny fulfilled.
Tuesday, January 20th, brings Samm Henshaw, the English maestro of RnB and Soul. As a singer, songwriter, and producer, he's shared stages with heavyweights like Chance the Rapper, James Bay, and Allen Stone – proof that his emotive voice can hold its own in any lineup.
Thursday, January 22nd, spotlights Elmiene, the neo-soul sensation who clinched fifth place in BBC Radio 1’s Sound Of 2024 and earned a nod for the BRIT Rising Star Award in 2025. Her soul-stirring tunes are poised to captivate, especially with a debut album on the horizon.
On Tuesday, January 27th, Kwn steps up as a multifaceted force – singer, songwriter, rapper, and producer. 2025 was her year, with nominations for Best New International Act at the BET Awards, a crown as Billboard’s RnB Rookie of the Month, a spot on NME’s essential emerging artists list, and even a mention on Radio 1’s Sound Of 2026 longlist. She's the embodiment of breaking barriers in the industry.
Finally, Thursday, January 29th, welcomes Kojey Radical, the British innovator blending Grime, Hip Hop, Alternative Rap, and Spoken Word. As a musician, creative director, and visual artist, he pushes boundaries in ways that might leave you questioning: Is this the future of rap, or just a bold experiment?
Don't just take our word for it – hear what the stars have to say. Elmiene gushes, '1Xtra’s Live Lounge might actually be one of my first gigs of 2026, so I’m super pumped about it. It’s such a blast of a way to launch the year, particularly with my debut album dropping soon.' Mnelia adds, 'I've been dreaming of a Live Lounge spot forever. It’s what I watched growing up, and it’s taken ages to get here. I’m just thrilled – it’s like coming full circle, crossing off a major item from my wish list. What a milestone!'
Remi Burgz, the man at the helm, declares, 'Live Lounge Month is back with a bang. We're launching 2026 on the highest note by welcoming our top UK acts to the stage. Fancy hearing live takes on your go-to tracks and beyond? I’m itching to see what surprises the artists bring. Let’s do this!'
And Dari Samuels, Head of BBC Radio 1Xtra, echoes the excitement: 'I’m thrilled 1Xtra’s Live Lounge Month is coming back in January – the ideal energizer for 2026. We’ve assembled an amazing array of talent, spotlighting artists we’ve supported from their earliest days. This promises to be a legendary musical journey, and I’m counting down the moments to tune in!'
Catch all the action live on Radio 1Xtra and BBC Sounds every Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm, starting January 13th. Plus, relive the magic on demand via Radio 1Xtra’s channels on BBC iPlayer and YouTube. For newcomers, this means you can binge-watch later if life gets in the way, turning it into a mini music festival at your fingertips.
But here's where it gets controversial – in a world obsessed with originals, are these surprise covers a fresh tribute or just clever remixes that dilute the source material? And this is the part most people miss: with such a diverse mix of genres, is Live Lounge bridging musical divides, or sparking new rivalries between RnB purists and Hip Hop heads? We invite you to weigh in: Which performer has you most hyped, and do you believe these emerging artists will shake up the charts or fade into the background? Is genre-blending the key to music's evolution, or does it risk losing authenticity? Share your opinions, agreements, or disagreements in the comments – let's keep the conversation rocking!
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