BBC Radio 1 has unveiled its latest round of Brit List artists.

The station’s initiative for developing UK artists, which launched in 2017, provides playlisting and other opportunities. Just over six months ago, Music Week revealed an expanded role for the Brit List to further support.

The latest round of acts for Radio 1’s Brit List was announced on air by Jack Saunders: Artemas, Olivia Dean and Sammy Virji.

The Brit List announcement is timely for Capitol-signed Olivia Dean, who is about to secure a hit with new single Nice To Each Other.

“This feels like the perfect time to cement our relationship with Olivia, who first uploaded to BBC Introducing all the way back in 2018,” said Chris Price, BBC Radio 1’s head of music. "In fact it was Introducing who brought Olivia to Big Weekend for the first time in 2023, also the year of her first Live Lounge. Olivia’s live plot is really coming together, and we feel that we can help her become the household name – and hopefully the next big British music export – that she truly deserves to be.”

“Radio 1 have been so supportive over the years and I’m really grateful to now be chosen as part of the Brit List!” said Olivia Dean.

We feel that we can help Olivia Dean become the household name – and hopefully the next big British music export – that she truly deserves to be

Chris Price

DJ and producer Sammy Virji’s inclusion marks a rare Brit List nod for dance music (although it has recently supported drum & bass act Venbee).

“Sammy’s journey at Radio 1 has been stellar – huge support from Sarah Story, including being picked as her Future Star for 2024, as well as Radio 1’s Future Artist of the Month in January of that year,” said Price. “Sammy’s had multiple Hottest Records with Danny Howard and now Jack Saunders, came to Luton for Big Weekend last year, and won Essential Mix Of The Year at the Radio 1 Dance Awards in 2025. It’s hard to think of a more deserving artist to become our first Brit List dance act ever.”

“Radio 1 have been so supportive of my music since the start, but being selected as the first electronic/dance artist for Brit List is mad, considering the level of artists that have come before me,” said Sammy Virji. “I’m absolutely honoured to have this incredible support moving forward. Thank you, Radio 1.”

Singer, songwriter and producer Artemas has been selected following UK and global success with I Like The Way You Kiss Me.

“Artemas might feel like the breakout artist of 2024 but his Radio 1 story goes back way beyond that, with support from Future Artists, Future Pop and the New Music Show,” said Price. “All this following support from BBC Introducing in Oxfordshire & Berkshire. I Like The Way You Kiss Me is a huge act to follow, but Artemas’s artistry is undeniable, as audiences at Big Weekend saw in Liverpool last month, and Brit List will be an amazing platform for that.”

“So very honoured to be a part of this list and I can’t wait to share new music with the Radio 1 team before anyone else hears it,” said Artemas.

PHOTO: Jack Davison