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On Thursday 10 March ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio 1Xtra is dedicating 24 hours of programming to dancehall music in a special take over of the station.

Dancehall Takeover Day is set to celebrate the importance and impact of reggae and dancehall genres on UK music and culture.

Over 24 hours, the roots and history of reggae and dancehall will be explored, portraying a journey of the genre and how it has influenced contemporary UK music.

The takeover plays host to interviews with some of the genre's most influential key players, includes archive footage of live shows recorded by 1Xtra in Jamaica and music from the world's best dancehall artists.

Ruby Mulraine, Executive Producer, Radio 1Xtra, says: "Dancehall Takeover will showcase the impact and influence of Jamaican dancehall music and culture across the globe. Radio 1Xtra has always been at the forefront of celebrating dancehall music; we're committed to the genre, and proud of its pioneering spirit and cutting edge contributions to the worldwide musical landscape."

The dancehall takeover kicks off at 7am with Twin B's breakfast show, where he will be interviewing guest Soundboy Sam who gives his guide to dancehall. Then for the last half hour of his show DJ Seani B takes over Twin's show.

At 10am listeners can expect live dancehall as Trevor Nelson replays a dancehall unplugged session in Jamaica, recorded by 1Xtra at legendary Tuff Gong studios in 2006.

Gemma Cairney will be interviewing Kano on her show starting at 1pm while Westwood welcomes Leanna to the 1Xtra studios for his dancehall party. And at 7pm MistaJam dedicates his mix to the dancehall genre.

At 10pm Robbo Ranx hosts the main dancehall takeover show featuring a "Cribs" interview with Steve McGregor, Best Dancehall Moments with Nicky Z and a special Saxon Sound package where DJs and artists talk about the soundsystems legacy.

The highlight of the day will no doubt be the Saxon Sound International session recorded at Maida Vale featuring legendary Saxon MCs along with Skibadee, Wretch 32 and reggae icon Dawn Penn amongst others.

Additionally, the Radio 1Xtra website will feature various content including a video chat between Seani B and dancehall artist Jah Cure, archived ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ dancehall interviews from Beenie Man, Shabba Ranks and a host of Radio 1Xtra reggae documentaries.

At 1am the Young Lion 1Xtra mix show will feature highlights from the Amsterdam Winter Festival featuring interviews with Capleton, Jah Cure, Mr Vegas and Red Rat. This show will be repeated between 4am-7am.

JM5