Capital Xtra’s Robert Bruce has spoken to Music Week about the impact of his evenings and weekend Homegrown slot on the network.
Bruce and his producer Jasmine Royes celebrated victory at the Music Week Awards 2022 last month. The presenter gave an impassioned speech about championing Black music in the UK.
Robert Bruce won the Radio Show Of The Year category, in which he faced tough competition from broadcast stars including Clara Amfo, Jack Saunders, Lauren Laverne, Dotty and fellow Capital Xtra presenters Yinka & Shayna Marie.
Here, he opens up about the power of his Capital Xtra radio show and the rise of UK rap…
How does it feel to win in such a competitive field?
“It was very competitive! Big up to everyone that was in the categories. I can't believe it. Big up to Homegrown music, Black music, everyone that works in the music space. It’s crazy.”
You gave a passionate speech, does that reflect the thriving UK scene?
“Yeah, it’s a very thriving scene. I feel like we've always been underdogs and always had to fight for our space, but it's translating into the mainstream. Big up to all the artists that are pushing music and changing their family's lives. And big up to Jasmine as well!”
How important is Homegrown for helping UK talent?
“The show is super-important in terms of breaking artists in the commercial music space. I don't really know who else [in that space] supports Black emerging artists, grassroots talent, people that have never had the first radio play. We give them their first radio play on national radio, changing lives whilst we're doing it as well. So it's super important.”
The show is super-important in terms of breaking artists
Robert Bruce
How about bringing back branded events alongside the show on air?
“Yes, Homegrown Live is going to come back. We're going to be bringing you your favourite artists all under one roof.”
Do you have any favourite moments from the show over the past year?
“We've had some great interviews, we’ve had Ghetts and Nines. Yeah, absolutely amazing, so strong - everyone is dropping quality projects. We salute them and just everyone supporting [UK rap].”
Capital Xtra has grown in recent years - how has the network supported you?
“Capital Xtra took me when I was 22, I was still in university. They trained me up to be the evening show presenter and gave me the Homegrown slot on a Saturday as well. So big up to Capital Xtra too!”
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