The Root

The Root is a three-part series on Worldwide FM, delving into the root of community archiving in Sheffield, UK. Inspired by a central theme in Zadie Smith’s White Teeth, this series dives into generational identity through the sonic heritage of Sheffield’s marginalised communities.

Curated by Sheffield-based archivist and producer Ella Barrett and fused together by sound artist and producer Callum McMillan Rice, the second instalment of this three-part series explores Sheffield’s pirate radio scene through the lens of community archiving. Pirate stations like Fantasy FM, Dance FM, and SCR (Sheffield Community Radio) played a crucial role in sustaining the city’s local music economy. Active from the mid-1980s to the early 2000s, they helped nurture a vibrant and connected cultural landscape reshaping the sonic sound of the city.

This show features oral history interviews with local music pioneers Winston Hazel, Oris Jay, Pipes, and Algie Josephs. Filmmaker and photographer Jashan Walton introduces the programme by reflecting on his personal connection to pirate radio.

Forgemasters - Stress [WARP]

Oris Jay describing what Pirate Radio in Sheffield looked like, Bantu Archive Programme, 2024.

Toyin Agbetu presents Shades Of Black, Make U Mine, [Frame of Mind]

Oris Jay, Biggin Up The Massive (ft. MC Rankin) [Urban Underground UK]

Oris Jay explaining what pirate on a Saturday looked like, Bantu Archive Programme, 2024.

The Ragga Twins - Java Bass [Shut Up And Dance Records]

Oris Jay, on clandestine club’ New Yorkshire Club’, Bantu Archive Programme, 2024.

Top Buzz, Living In Darkness [Basement Classics]

Oris Jay, on the trans-local outreach of pirate radio in the North of England, Bantu Archive Programme, 2024.

Darqwan - As We Enta [Texture Records]

Algie Joseph on the family nature of the music and time, Bantu Archive Programme, 2024.

Erykah Badu, On & On [Universal Records]

Erykah Badu, On & On (Instrumental) [Universal Records]

Algie Joseph, on the family feel of pirate radio, Bantu Archive Programme, 2024.

The Family Stand, Ghetto Heaven (Soul II Soul Remix) [Atlantic]

The Family Stand, Ghetto Heaven (The Dub) [Atlantic]

Algie Joseph, on the community nature of pirate radio, Bantu Archive Programme, 2024.

ITV Yorkshire News Reel, 1994

Mica Paris, I Should’ve Known Better, [4th & Broadway]

Algie Joseph, on the pirate radio serving a need for the community, Bantu Archive Programme, 2024.

The Sindecut, Tell Me Why?[Virgin]

Pipes on the need for pirate radio in Sheffield, Bantu Archive Programme, 2024.

Troydon, Listen Up, [Quest Records]

Pipes talking about the different pirate stations in Sheffield, Bantu Archive Programme, 2024.

Two The Hardway, Who Said (Vocal Version) [Betonska].

Pipes talking about Foxes Records, Sharrow, Bantu Archive Programme, 2024.

Courtney Melody & King Tubby, Unite (Version) [Firehouse Records].

Pipes on Eastern Bloc Record Shop in Leeds early 1990s, Bantu Archive Programme, 2024.

Winston Hazel (FunkMaster General) Sheffield Community Radio 1990.

Winston Hazel how pirate radio shaped him as a DJ, Bantu Archive Programme, 2024.

Winston Hazel on the importance of Pirate Radio for understanding music, Bantu Archive Programme, 2024.

Nicolette - O Si Nene [Shut Up And Dance Records]

The Step - Yeah You! (Robert’s Dub #1) [WARP]

Winston Hazel on how pirate radio shaped him as a DJ and its influence in the community, Bantu Archive Programme, 2024.

Pertrelli Purple, When Summer Ends, Bantu Archive Programme commissioned soundscape.

The All Seeing I - Beat Goes On [Earth Records]

Winston Hazel, speaking to pirate radio as liberating; a platform to connect people together, Bantu Archive Programme, 2024.

Bassline ft. Lorraine Chambers, You’re Gone (Alternate Mix) [RMH Music]

Snippet from Documentary on DreamFM-99.9- Leeds-Pirate Radio

D’Angelo, The Root [Virgin]

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