BBC RADIO 1Xtra’s Nick Bright this morning (Jan 8) revealed the ten UK acts and artists from the world of black music that 1Xtra predict to be big on the scene over the next twelve months, in the station’s annual Hot For 2018 list compiled by 1Xtra DJs and staff.
Making the line-up is:
Fredo
Hardy Caprio
IAMDDB
Kojo Funds
Lotto Boyzz
Mahalia
Not3s
One Acen
Young T and Bugsey
Yxng Bane
Monday evening will see DJ Target host a special 1Xtra Hot For 2018 party in his show (7-9pm) featuring interviews and exclusive tracks from some of the Hot For 2018 artists.
1Xtra is committed to championing new black and urban music and is a trusted voice to listeners, and through Hot For 2018, the station tips the artists that will excel in the year ahead.
1Xtra’s Hot For 2017 list featured the likes of AJ Tracey, Dave, Jorja Smith, Ray BLK and MIST, who have all rapidly grown in the last twelve months achieving UK and global success.
Other acts tipped in 2017 have continued to accomplish big things including Stefflon Don, who has already hit the Top 10 with her track Hurtin’ Me and recently won MOBO’s Best female act.
Further Hot For alumni include J Hus (2016), Bugzy Malone (2016), Mabel (2016), Rag N Bone Man (2015), Stormzy (2015), Sam Smith (2014), Krept & Konan (2014) and The Weeknd (2013).
DJ Target said: “With 1Xtra being on the frontline when it comes to supporting emerging talent and new artists, the start of the year is always an exciting time as we look towards the year ahead at the artists that will make big moves.
"The 1Xtra Hot For list has always highlighted the artists we feel will excel and this year’s list is as strong as ever.”
Nick Bright says: “We at BBC Radio 1Xtra have for years championed new artists coming through. Since we started doing Hot For we have seen the likes of Stormzy, Krept & Konan, J Hus and many others make the list then go on to become superstars. I’m honoured and excited to announce the line-up for this year on the 1Xtra Breakfast show.”
Of making the list, Freddo said: “Music is changing my life for the better and I can't explain how grateful and shocking it is, thank you to 1Xtra for making 2018 so exciting from the start.”
Hardy Caprio added: “It’s great to be a part of such a feature by such a quintessential platform in the scene.”
IAMDDB said: “Big up 1Xtra for the recognition and listing, the support from radio has been great and I’m looking forward to a sick 2018!”
Kojo Funds commented: “Great to be tipped for 2018, Big up 1Xtra 10 times.”
Lotto Boyzz said: “The humbling feeling knowing our Afrobbean sound’s been recognised and we as the face of the newly found genre have been picked amongst the very few to be in the list for BBC 1Xtra Hot For 2018.
"Over the years only the very best have been able to make this list so to have a magnificent station such as BBC 1Xtra select us, is just extremely phenomenal and humbling.”
Mahalia says: “Ah man I’m so happy to be included in 1Xtra's Hot For 2018 list!!! Thank you to you guys (1Xtra) for the continuous support. 2018 is gonna be crazy.”
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