Berlin has something wonderful to celebrate—the city's first dedicated jazz radio station has officially launched, bringing the soulful sounds of jazz, soul, and blues to eager listeners across the German capital.

Named 'Ella' after the iconic 'Queen of Jazz' Ella Fitzgerald, the station began broadcasting this week with Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer in attendance, marking a historic moment for Berlin's music scene. For station director Oliver Dunk, this represents the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

"The jazz scene in Berlin now has the chance to flourish," says Dunk enthusiastically. "It's always been a lifelong dream of mine to do something in the fields of jazz, soul and blues—three things that can't be separated."

Berlin's relationship with jazz runs deep, dating back to the golden 1920s when the genre conquered the city's clubs and pubs. The music, which originated as a beautiful fusion of African-American sounds and European melodies in the southern United States, found an enthusiastic home in Germany's capital during the Weimar Republic era.

What makes jazz particularly special, Dunk explains, is its ability to bring people together. "What I find inspiring about jazz is that this style of music builds bridges and connects very different cultures," he notes—a mission that feels especially relevant in today's interconnected world.

The station's programming aims to showcase jazz's incredible diversity, moving beyond household names to highlight both beloved classics and exciting new talent. "It's beautiful music with an incredible breadth," Dunk explains, "and that's what Ella wants to portray in its programme."

While acknowledging that jazz doesn't dominate today's music charts the way pop does, Dunk sees this as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. The station is committed to changing perceptions and introducing audiences to remarkable contemporary artists like Lisa Bassenge and Martina Barta, who are creating stunning work in the genre today.

Ella Radio offers more than just traditional broadcasting. The station has developed a comprehensive website featuring different styles of jazz, allowing listeners to explore the genre's rich tapestry at their own pace. "The radio is the taster channel for the great jazz world of Ella," Dunk shares warmly.

The station director remains grounded yet optimistic about Ella's mission. "It would be presumptuous to believe that a small radio station can change things," he acknowledges, "however, every journey begins with a first step."

That first step is already resonating with listeners. By providing a dedicated platform for jazz, soul, and blues, Ella is creating space for musical discovery, cultural connection, and artistic appreciation in one of Europe's most creative cities.

For Berliners and visitors alike, Ella Radio represents an invitation to explore the transformative power of jazz—music that has always celebrated freedom, creativity, and the beautiful complexity of human expression.

Listeners in Berlin can tune in to 91.0 MHz FM, while those in Potsdam can find the station at 90.7 FM, ready to begin their own jazz journey.