David Farnor | On 25, Apr 2016

Nina Simone and Craig David both arrive on BBC iPlayer this week, as the catch-up service expands its line-up of exclusive content.

On Monday 26th April, BBC Music’s Festival Pass returns to follow garage legend Craig David, as he leaves London Heathrow and heads for the mountains of Austria.

Released at 7am, the exclusive short will join Craig behind the scenes as he travels to Mayrhofen to headline the coldest and most picturesque party festival of the season: Snowbombing 2016.

Since arriving on the scene at a mere 17 years old, Craig has had 14 UK top-10 singles, six UK top-20 albums and has sold over 13 million records worldwide. Nominated for 12 Brit Awards and two Grammys, Craig has worked with artists as varied as Tinchy Stryder, Kano, Rita Ora, Sting, Katy B and Big Narstie. With another top 10 single to add to his list, When The Bassline Drops, and a soon-to-be-released sixth album, Craig is back, and possibly bigger than ever.

Still need your music fix from the Beeb? On Friday 29th April, to mark the release of new Hollywood film, Nina, BBC Music will follow British soul singer Laura Mvula to New York City to celebrate the songs and civil rights activism of the legendary American singer, in Nina Simone And Me.

Previously broadcast on BBC Four, this extended version of the film will be available exclusively on BBC iPlayer from 7am.

From Sinnerman to Feeling Good or My Baby Just Cares for Me, Nina Simone is an artist with a songbook that mixes jazz, blues, soul and even classical music. The programme follows Laura as she traces the story of Simone’s musical career, meeting and performing with musicians who worked with and were inspired by Simone. The documentary also explores Nina Simone’s commitment to black civil rights in America, and the impact of two of her most powerful songs, Mississippi Goddam and Young, Gifted & Black.

Laura’s journey takes her to Greenwich Village, where she meets Nina’s long-time guitarist, friend and musical director, Al Schackman, and soul singer and activist Camille Yarbrough, who talks about how she was inspired by Nina and Four Women – Laura’s favourite Nina composition.

As well as featuring Laura performing some of Nina’s songs, such as Little Girl Blue, Sinnerman and Feeling Good, the film features rare and original 1960s and 1970s archive footage of some of Simone’s finest recorded performances.

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