The first week of August will see 1Extra pay homage to a variety of influential artistes with special performances from many, including Gyptian, Beenie Man, Toots and Jimmy Cliff.

On August 5, there will be Radio 1Xtra stories: Ja in the UK, a show exploring the impact of Jamaican culture in the UK. It will feature tales and testimonials from British artistes with Jamaican heritage, most notably Wretch 32, Gappy Ranks and Ms Dynamite.

David Rodigan kicks off Radio 6 Music’s celebration on August 5 with four programmes covering the musical diversity of the past 50 years. Colin Grant’s documentary, Wheel and Come Again: The Rise of Jamaican Music, will also be played.

There will also be Island Rock, Brinsley Forde’s excellent eight-part series Jamaican Music, and From Mento to Lovers Rock, presented by Linton Kwesi Johnson.

Lee Scratch Perry will introduce records he has produced and those that influenced him; plus various Bob Marley series, including Behind the Smile.

On Independence Day, August 6, 1Xtra will be all things black, gold and green.

Twin B will wake up the nation with the Jamaican national anthem, Trevor Nelson will be revealing his ‘Ledge of the week’ and Sarah-Jane will be searching for the ultimate ‘Dancehall Diva’.

Earlier this year, the station asked artistes to record their favourite song of the past 50 years at Tuff Gong Studios in Kingston, Jamaica.

Renditions will be heard from Elephant Man, Capleton and Chaka Demus and Pliers, plus 11 others.

Then to round up on August 10, Toddla T and Seani B will unite for the ultimate Jamaica 50 party mix