Five vibrant reasons why Birmingham is a brilliant city of culture, according to BBC Radio 1Xtra

Birmingham, often overshadowed by the capital’s bright lights, is a city teeming with cultural vibrancy and artistic flair.

BirminghamWorld spoke to Faron McKenzie, head of Radio 1Xtra at BBC, as he sheds light on the city’s burgeoning creative scene and its symbiotic relationship with the station — making it an ideal location for the station’s expansion outside London.

Despite a historical lack of opportunities that saw many creatives migrate to London, McKenzie emphasises the shift in tide for the city’s creative industry with 1Xtra’s commitment to nurturing Birmingham’s local talent.

BBC Radio 1Xtra shows are currently held at The Mailbox, with plans to move to Digbeth’s historic Tea Factory, in the near future, revitalising the long- dormant space.

These plans are part of the BBC’s Across the UK strategy which set out to dramatically increase its economic, cultural, and social impact in the West Midlands as part of a radical new strategy to better serve and reflect the whole of the UK.

The city’s narrative intertwines with 1Xtra’s history, with artists like The Streets, Jamelia, Lady Leshurr, Ms La Familla, Jaykae and MIST among others, all having their stories amplified by the station. Shows like DJ Target’s and platforms like  ‘The Rap Game UK’ not only spotlight these artists but also weave them into the fabric of Birmingham’s identity.

Even popular franchises like MasterChef are migrating to Birmingham, offering a stage for local celebrities and on-air talent to shine. The city served as the backdrop for the adaptation of Candice Carty-Williams’ ‘Champion’, further cementing its role as a cultural hub.

The BBC is hoping that its Digbeth move will boost drama production across the region, with BBC Studios’ Sister Boniface Mysteries, Father Brown and huge primetime hit Silent Witness relocating later this year. 

McKenzie’s vision extends beyond music. He sees Birmingham as a canvas for entrepreneurs, actors, and creatives to paint their stories, not just on a national scale but globally. Shows like BBC 1Xtra’s talk show ‘1Xtra Talks’ hosted by Richie Brave, and UK Touchdown Tour held at one of Digbeth’s iconic bars’ Mama Roux’s by DJ Target and Birmingham’s own Theo Johnson, are curated to reflect the city’s unique cultural nuances and trends.

Innovative Broadcasting

BBC Radio 1Xtra’s decision to broadcast its first weekday show from Birmingham, hosted by Kaylee Golding, indicates the city’s burgeoning media landscape. The show, which airs from 1pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday, is a significant move for the station, traditionally London-centric in its broadcasting locations.

Also, most recently, BBC Radio 1Xtra announced Birmingham-native DJ Day Day as its latest daytime host. This means as of January, the entire BBC Radio 1Xtra network is broadcast out of London from 10am-4pm every weekday. The BBC has also relocated all of BBC Newsbeat; and the BBC Asian Network begins its move to the city in the next few months, bringing over 65 jobs.

Showcasing Talent

The 1Xtra Introducing Show With Theo Johnson, which began in September 2022, is another feather in Birmingham’s cap. It focuses on unsigned and undiscovered artists across the UK, highlighting Birmingham’s role as a nurturing ground for new talent.

Supporting Local Productions

The BBC Radio Indie Development Fund is another initiative that underscores Birmingham’s importance. It aims to upskill and develop small independent productions in the region, turning them into suppliers for the BBC. This not only boosts the local economy but also enriches the cultural fabric of the city.

A Platform for Creatives

Birmingham serves as a platform for creatives, artists, and entrepreneurs to share their stories. Whether it’s celebrating 75 Years of Windrush with Mykal and JB Wassifa Brown from Wassifa Showcase, one of Birmingham's oldest sound systems, or hosting international artists like Bobby Valentino and Sean Paul. 

In essence, reggae, a genre deeply rooted in Birmingham’s musical landscape, along with other international music genres, adds into the city’s cultural offerings that are diverse and inclusive. 

Global Reach, Local Heart

While BBC Radio 1Xtra is a national station, its presence in Birmingham and the accessibility through the BBC Sounds app globally, allows it to showcase the city’s culture to a worldwide audience. Events like the Commonwealth Games further highlight Birmingham’s cultural significance, with athletes and celebrities contributing to the city’s narrative.

“As a Birmingham native myself,” Faron says, “I’m so proud to be bringing 1Xtra to such an amazing and diverse city. We’re not just talking about infrastructure; we’re celebrating Birmingham, creating a platform for stories to be told, for culture to be celebrated.”

“And let’s not forget the Commonwealth Games. When Lady Leshurr was signed to the network, we had shows right from the heart of Birmingham, sharing the city’s spirit with the world. That’s the power of Birmingham – a city that’s as local as it is global.”

Birmingham’s selection by BBC Radio 1Xtra for these groundbreaking shows is a clear indicator of the city’s cultural vitality. It’s a place where tradition and innovation coexist, where local talent is celebrated, and where the community’s stories resonate on a global stage.

Truly, Birmingham is a brilliant city of culture.