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.