Pop: The Politics of Desire
Clara Amfo and Craig David reflect on race, colourism and who gets to become a Pop star. From the first Black person to reach No.1 to an up and coming artist, Hannah-Morgan
Who gets to be a Pop star has often been dictated by image and marketability. While Black artists have shaped the sound of pop for decades, many have faced barriers to visibility, recognition, and success. Mia Thornton uncovers how Pop has both embraced and excluded Black artists, and what it takes to truly belong in the UK’s biggest music scene.
Broadcaster Clara Amfo discusses stereotypes, colourism and what is considered ‘desirable’ within the Pop’s power structures and rising star Hannah-Morgan on her hopes of breaking the mould.
From Winifred Atwell, the Trinidadian pianist who in 1954, became the first Black person to have a UK No.1, to Craig David becoming the face of UK garage-infused Pop in the 2000s, Mia discovers how the industry has both celebrated and ignored Black talent.
Last on
Music Played
-
Sugababes
Push The Button
-
Doja Cat
Say So
-
Billie Eilish
BIRDS OF A FEATHER
-
µþ±ð²â´Ç²Ô³¦Ã©
BREAK MY SOUL
-
Rihanna
Pon de Replay
-
Sophie Ellisâ€Bextor
Murder On The Dancefloor
-
Lil Nas X
MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name) (But Lil Nas X Is Silent The Entire Time)
-
The Beatles
Love Me Do
-
ABBA
Dancing Queen
-
The Human League
Don’t You Want Me
-
Spice Girls
Wannabe
-
Rihanna
Umbrella
-
PinkPantheress
Pain
-
Kate Bush
Running Up That Hill
-
Sabrina Carpenter
Espresso
-
KAYTRANADA
Oh No (Instrumental)
-
Rachel Chinouriri
Even (feat. Cat Burns)
-
Dolf van der Linden and His Metropole Orchestra
Angel Cake
-
Vera Lynn
We’ll Meet Again
-
Winifred Atwell
Britannia Rag
-
Winifred Atwell
Let’s Have a Party
-
Shanks & Bigfoot
Sweet Like Chocolate
-
Craig David
Rewind
-
Artful Dodger
Movin’ Too Fast (feat. Romina Johnson)
-
Craig David
Walking Away
-
Charli xcx
Apple
-
Hannah-Morgan
Seen
-
Hannah-Morgan
Warm
-
Ezra Collective
No One's Watching Me (feat. Olivia Dean)
Broadcast
- Thu 10 Apr 2025 23:00ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 6 Music