BBC Radio 6 Music has launched Rave Forever, a month-long Friday series tracing the history of Black British dance music decade by decade, as part of the corporation's wider The Music is Black season, Mixmag reported. Each edition runs from 7am to 7pm and pairs archive material with guest interviews.
The opener, on August 7, looked back at the 1980s, covering the roots of soundsystem culture, acid house and 2 tone. Host Nick Grimshaw brought on lovers rock pioneer Caroll Thompson, Lauren Laverne spoke with Norman Jay about rare groove, Craig Charles interviewed 2 tone figure Neville Staple of The Specials, and Emily Pilbeam explored acid house's origins.
The August 14 edition spotlighted the "unsung heroes" of the 1990s and the rise of jungle, trip hop, soul and UK R&B, with guests Goldie and Omar.
On August 21, the series moved into the 2000s, with IG Culture and Shy One discussing broken beat and Deb Grant bringing on DJ Target for a garage and grime mix.
The finale on August 28 covers the 2010s, from the bassline revival to UK funky, with guests SHERELLE, DJ Q and Nemone.
Rave Forever ties into an exhibition of the same name running at the V&A East Museum since April, part of the same Black British music season. Additional guest sets throughout the run include Smokin Jo, Tim Reaper, Karen Nyame KG and Craig Charles.
The facts
- New Friday series airs 7am to 7pm throughout August 2026
- August 7 opener covers the 1980s with guests Caroll Thompson and Neville Staple
- Later editions cover the 1990s-2010s with guests including Goldie, DJ Target and SHERELLE
- Ties into a V&A East Museum exhibition running since April
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