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BBC Radio 1Xtra: DJ Day Day starts new morning show

BBC New Radio 1Xtra presenter DJ Day Day's headshot photo. He is smiling at the camera and has his head tilted slightly to the right. He has short black hair and is clean shaven. We can only see the tops of his shoulders but he has a thin silver necklace on and is wearing a black jumper.BBC
DJ Day Day has almost 40 million streams online and has performed at events around the world

BBC Radio 1Xtra's newest presenter DJ Day Day has launched his daytime programme, taking over from DJ Ace.

Coming live from his home city of Birmingham, the host says listeners will be "in for a treat".

"It's something I've worked towards for a long time," says Day Day.

He will host the 10:00-13:00 slot, meaning 1Xtra will broadcast from outside London for six daytime hours on weekdays.

The 13:00-16:00 slot has been presented by another Brummie, Kaylee Golding, since she started in April.

Day Day made his name making DJ mixes online and has almost 40 million streams across YouTube, Mixcloud and SoundCloud.

He's also performed at events around the world with superstars like J Cole and Stormzy, and is known for his high-energy sets.

But the 29-year-old doesn't mind admitting to BBC Newsbeat he was a bit calmer when he got the call to say he was going to be on air.

"I was in my house and I couldn't believe it to be honest with you," he says.

"After the phone call I had tears coming down my eyes, it was an emotional one.

"I've just been celebrating within myself to be honest because I didn't really tell anybody about it, I had to keep it on the low."

DJ Day Day DJ Day Day when he was aged 14 sitting in a radio studio. He is sat on a chair with his right hand on a computer mouse and a radio mic in front of his mouth. In front of him is a radio desk with lots of computing equipment for mixing music and also a computer monitor. He is wearing blue cap backwards on the top of his head and is wearing a blue hooded top with the Adidas log on the front. He is also wearing a black Nike rucksack on his back.DJ Day Day
Day Day has wanted to be on air since he did work experience at a local radio station when he was just 14

Day Day says he's looking forward to the challenge of replacing Ace, who presented his final weekend 1Xtra show over the weekend.

"They are some big shoes to fill but I'm only a size seven, he is probably a size 12 so I'm not going to be able to fit in those shoes.

"He's a legend, he's been doing great things and everything he's done is an inspiration for somebody like me."

Head of 1Xtra, Faron McKenzie, says he chose Day Day because he's a "top tier DJ".

"What you'll get from him is what it's like to be a young black male, coming from the Midlands and having a deep passion for music," he tells Newsbeat.

'Make sure it's a banger'

1Xtra launching its second daytime show in Birmingham is part of the BBC's 'Across the UK' strategy to move content away from London.

And Faron, who was born in Birmingham himself, says he didn't have any concerns about putting a second Brummie on the daytime schedule.

"As much as people will have their opinions on accents, I think it's very different to hear someone from Birmingham versus someone from London.

"So it's all a step in that direction, just to be more national and more reflective of the nation.

"1Xtra has been quite London-centric for a period of time, so this is just a step in that direction to be more across the UK."

BBC Radio 1Xtra presenter Kaylee Golding in her radio studio stood next to Sean Paul. Kaylee is smiling and has her black hair pulled back. She is wearing a black and white swirly patterned long sleeved top which is slightly cropped and has light brown trousers on. She is doing the peace symbol with her left hand. Sean Paul is stood to her left with his left arm around her shoulder. He has his right arm out and his index finger extended. He has a black T-shirt and black anorak style jacket on and has dark black sunglasses on.
Kaylee Golding has interviewed stars like Sean Paul during the first six months in 1Xtra's Birmingham studio

Kaylee started her 1Xtra daytime show in Birmingham in April and says her start to the job "has been everything and more".

She's excited for another show to be coming from the city and has a little bit of advice for Day Day.

"My top tip for him would be [to] be himself and enjoy it," she says.

"He is a wicked DJ so I am hoping we hear lots of mixes and good music because in Birmingham that's how we know DJ Day Day."

So what can we expect from Day Day's show?

He made his name online by creating uplifting mixes during the Covid lockdowns and says he plans to bring that energy to the radio.

"People can expect a lot of good vibes, good music, great energy, games, a lot of interaction," he says.

"It's just going to be an all around positive show, I want you to listen and just feel good."

An earlier version of this article was published in October 2023

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