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Black History Month

🎷 The Birth of Jazz & the Sound of Freedom

When people speak about jazz, they often think of smoky clubs, swinging rhythms, and breathtaking improvisation. But jazz is much more than music. It’s a story of survival, identity, and freedom — born from the African American experience and carried to the world as a universal language of resilience. 🌱 From Roots to Rhythm Jazz emerged in the early 20th century in New Orleans, a city alive with cultural fusion. Enslaved Africans had already preserved rhythms and traditions through gatherings […]

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Black History Month

✊🏾 Standing Firm in Power and Pride: Vibrant Radio’s Black History Month 2025 Journey

This October, the UK celebrates Black History Month under the powerful theme: “Standing Firm in Power and Pride.” It’s a call to honour resilience, celebrate identity, and showcase the brilliance of Black communities past, present, and future. At Vibrant Radio, we believe music and storytelling are not only entertainment — they’re lifelines. They carry our histories, express our struggles, and amplify our triumphs. That’s why this year, we’re dedicating the entire month to programming, conversations, and community engagement that reflect […]

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Bashment

Spotlight: Popcaan: Dancehall’s Global Ambassador

Few artists embody the evolution of dancehall like Andrae Hugh Sutherland, better known as Popcaan. Born in St. Thomas Parish, Jamaica, and raised in Portmore, Popcaan transformed his early struggles into a career that has made him a global music icon. From Portmore Empire to Stardom Popcaan’s rise began in 2008 when he joined Vybz Kartel’s Portmore Empire. His breakout single “Clarks” (2010), alongside Kartel, became a cultural phenomenon and marked him as a rising star in Jamaica’s vibrant music […]

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Afro/Amapiano

Spotlight: Burna Boy – The African Giant Who Redefined Afrofusion

IntroductionWhen you think of global music powerhouses, Burna Boy’s name stands tall. The Nigerian superstar has transformed Afrofusion from a niche sound into a worldwide movement, blending African rhythms with hip-hop, reggae, and pop. For me, Burna Boy isn’t just an artist; he’s a cultural icon who embodies creativity, confidence, and authenticity. His Rise to Global StardomBorn Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Burna Boy started making music as a teenager. His breakout single Like to Party in 2012 […]

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Neo Soul

Spotlight: Hil St. Soul

Hil St. Soul, born Hilary Mwelwa, is a Zambian-born, London-raised neo-soul artist whose voice has become a beacon of authenticity in modern R&B. With her distinctive blend of soulful vocals, jazzy instrumentation, and heartfelt lyrics, Hil has carved out a unique space in the global music scene, appealing to both neo-soul purists and mainstream listeners alike. From Zambia to London: A Cross-Cultural Journey Hilary Mwelwa’s story is one of global inspiration. Born in Lusaka, Zambia, and raised in London, her […]

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Portrait of a Legend

PORTRAIT OF A LEGEND: Leroy Hutson – The Velvet Voice of Soul

In the pantheon of soul music, few artists embody smooth sophistication quite like Leroy Hutson. A multi-talented singer, songwriter, and producer, Hutson is often hailed as one of the most underrated architects of 1970s soul. With his velvety voice, lush arrangements, and timeless grooves, he crafted a signature sound that blended funk, jazz, and soul into music that still resonates with fans and musicians today. The Early Years: From Newark to the Stage Born in Newark, New Jersey, Hutson’s musical […]

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R'n'B

SPOTLIGHT: Alicia Keys – The Timeless Voice of Soul and Empowerment

For more than two decades, Alicia Keys has stood as a pillar of authenticity, artistry, and inspiration in the music industry. With her signature blend of classical piano, R&B, soul, and hip-hop, she has crafted a legacy built not only on chart-topping hits but on meaningful storytelling and cultural influence. Early Brilliance and a Star’s Rise Born Alicia Augello Cook in New York City, Keys showed an early affinity for music, mastering classical piano by the age of seven and […]

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Portrait of a Legend

Portrait of a Legend: Mary J. Blige

Few artists embody resilience, authenticity, and innovation quite like Mary J. Blige. For over three decades, she has stood at the forefront of R&B and hip-hop soul, using her voice to tell stories of pain, healing, and triumph. Crowned the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Blige is more than a music icon—she’s a cultural force whose influence extends far beyond the stage. Who Is Mary J. Blige? Born on January 11, 1971, in the Bronx, New York, Mary Jane Blige came […]

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DanceHall

Portrait of a Legend: Delroy Wilson

In the rich tapestry of reggae and ska, few voices resonate with the soul and honesty of Delroy Wilson. Known as the "Crown Prince of Reggae," Wilson's career was nothing short of iconic, shaping the early foundations of Jamaican music and influencing generations of artists who followed. Early Life and Rise to Stardom Delroy Wilson was born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1948. By the time he was just a teenager, he was already making waves in the ska scene, catching […]

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