Scouting the Homegrown

Supporting the UK's new black music is what 1Xtra's Homegrown tour is all about and is a concept which has been championed by the station's Ras Kwame. With the might of 1Xtra and the BBC behind him he has managed to shape an idea, or even an ideal, of a creative public outlet for both established and up and coming British Musicians, vocalists, DJs and MCs within the black music scene. As this concept has grown in interest and popularity, the importance of what is going on has become more than apparent. Homegrown has become a radio show in its own right as well as a competition where the best acts are showcased on the internet - and the public vote determines who enters the 'hall of fame'. Now comes a UK wide tour where Ace and Invisible, 1Xtra's bad boy DJs, are on the prowl calling on the finest talents in five cities to perform on two tracks being recorded on the road.

The tour started in Bristo Square in Edinburgh and featured Scotland's rising stars MC Profisee, Kontempt, L Marie and Raff. Profisee is featured on one of the Homegrown tracks, the first of which is being recorded by the established talent and the second by the new up and coming acts. He has laid down the opening verse of the track which is being produced by Baby J and will be strongly featured on 1Xtra's playlists over the next few weeks. "This is all about undiscovered talent, we're hitting towns that other radio stations neglect", says Invisible. "1Xtra brings the music to towns that don't get it often and that don't really get the spotlight, that's what we're most proud of. There is no other radio station within those towns, no local stations where they can turn on their FM radio and hear the music they want to hear, that's what DAB (digital radio) is helping them to do. They get the music they want to get. It's not just one show that they have to listen for on a Friday night or a Saturday night, it's on 24 hours a day 7 days a week."

Following Edinburgh, the tour marches through Newcastle, Leeds, Liverpool and Cardiff and culminates in 1Xtra's Homegrown Holiday on 29th May. This sees a full day of Homegrown talent being played and performing live, as well as providing the first listen to the tune recorded on the tour. Performances from Kano, Rodney P and Jehst and beats selected by Dizzee Rascal will end the whistle-stop, full action excursion from the UK's leading black music radio station.