Femi Koleoso, bandleader and drummer for the award-winning jazz group Ezra Collective, will become a regular presenter on BBC Radio 6 Music starting in 2026. He will host The People’s Party on Friday evenings from January 2. The announcement highlights his passion for radio and the station's eclectic programming.
Announcement Details
Femi Koleoso will host The People’s Party, a two-hour show airing Fridays from 7-9pm, beginning January 2, 2026. Broadcast from MediaCity UK in Salford, the program aims to provide listeners with joyful music to unwind before the weekend. Koleoso, known for his work with Ezra Collective—the first jazz group to win the Mercury Prize in 2023 and sell out Wembley Arena in 2024—brings his experience collaborating with artists like Gorillaz and Jorja Smith to the role.
Background and Quotes
Koleoso expressed enthusiasm in a statement: “I’m a deep lover of radio, its ability to take your mood into a totally different place in a moment. Alongside that, I’m a deep lover of 6 Music. Not knowing whether it’s a jazz classic coming up next, or the new rapper you didn’t know you needed in your life. To have the opportunity to be a permanent part of this family means the world and I can’t wait to bring joy to the airwaves, one selection at a time.”
He has previously filled in for presenters like Gilles Peterson, Guy Garvey, and Jamz Supernova on 6 Music, and co-presented with his bandmates ahead of their 2024 festival performance.
Additional Station Updates
The announcement also covers changes for other presenters. AFRODEUTSCHE, current host of The People’s Party, will move to a new weekend morning slot (Saturdays and Sundays, 6-8am) from January 3, focusing on restorative music. Her final People’s Party episode airs December 26. Amy Lamé will launch SUPERFANS!, a four-part series from January 19-22 exploring fan stories of artists like Charli xcx, Depeche Mode, Prince, and The Smiths.
Samantha Moy, Head of BBC Radio 6 Music, commented: “At 6 Music, we have been supporters of Femi and his work for many years... I couldn’t be happier that in 2026, Femi will be joining the 6 Music family as a regular presenter, connecting people through music each Friday night.”
Bowie Commemoration
In January, the station will mark 10 years since David Bowie's passing with special programming from January 5-11, including extended editions of David Bowie: Changeling hosted by Kate Moss, a special on his 'Memo for Radio Show,' and themed shows by presenters like Nick Grimshaw and Mary Anne Hobbs.