Community

“Sheffield Live! brings life to the community”: In conversation with Mauricio, presenter of Latino Times

Mauricio, host of Latino Times on Sheffield Live! each Monday between 5 and 7pm, has lived in Sheffield since 1975. 

Originally from Chile, Mauricio uses his radio show to highlight a variety of music genres from countries in Latin America. His show gives the opportunity for “everyone to listen to and learn more about the variety of the music from South America.” 

Mauricio has worked many different jobs throughout his life such as being a waiter, a bin man, a graphic designer and so much more. He joined Sheffield Live! after being introduced by a friend, who he later presented the show with. 

At the time, he was studying Communication Arts and became particularly skilled in interview techniques. Mauricio then adapted his skills from this course into his radio show as he was made aware that “there were no shows on Sheffield Live! that spotlighted Hispanic music and culture”. 

Latino Times was launched in 2009 and is described by Mauricio as a show of many parts. 

He told us: “Within the show you listen to a soul show, and R&B show, and a rock show all in one”. 

His most recent show included a range of music in genres such as rock, samba, jazz and folk music. 

Mauricio also uses his platform to “talk about the politics going on in Latin America… so people can learn a little bit more about the world”.

Mauricio acknowledges that after the Covid 19 lockdown, community radio had to adapt to restrictions and was not as active in that time, but he is “really happy I’ve been doing the show for all these years… because Sheffield Live! is the perfect community project.”

When talking to Mauricio about his favourite genres of music, he said: “I like all sorts of music, except for Reggaeton… I love heavy rock”. 

Mauricio believes Sheffield Live! is an important institution as it “brings life to the community and gives a voice to every group… It gives the diverse Sheffield community a voice.”

 

Rotherham’s Ray Matthews recalls his “Path to Success”

Pensioner, charity marathon runner and former boxer Ray Matthews of Rotherham shared his memories in the book “Path to Success”. The publication narrates his early life and introduction to boxing as a means to combat bullying and goes on to tell his account of aspirations to complete multiple challenges. Among these, Matthews famously running seventy-five marathons in seventy-five days on his seventy-fifth birthday to raise £75,000 for charity. Report by Baillor Jalloh for Sheffield Live!

From the Sheffield Live archives June 2023

Homelessness highlighted in Cathedral exhibition

An exhibition about homelessness brought new perspectives through multimedia artworks. The Black Eye Project collaborated with the Archer Project to create the event at Sheffield Cathedral. Sheffield Live! reporter, Isabelle Goodhand spoke to Jim Lobley, Creative Director of the Black Eye Project.

From the Sheffield Live! archives 2024

Ukrainian pianist Daria Golovchenko

Ukrainian virtuoso pianist Daria Golovchenko performed at the Nether Edge Festival while rebuilding her career after fleeing war in Ukraine. Golovchenko originally trained at Kharkiv University of Arts after discovering a passion for piano at the age of five. The concert was one among many diverse events that made up the Ninth Nether Edge Festival. Report by Baillor Jalloh for Sheffield Live!

From the Sheffield Live archives 2023

Remembering the opening of Sheffield Grand Mosque

The long-awaited Islamic centre and mosque in Burngreave formally opened its doors to the public in April 2023, having been under construction for over a decade. The Sheffield Grand Mosque, on Grimesthorpe Rd, is a landmark of Islamic architecture and design. It boasts four halls that cater for community activities, Islamic study, sports such as gymnastics, football and karate training, as well as prayer halls for both men and women. Sheffield live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to volunteers and worshippers at the mosque.

From the Sheffield Live archives April 2023

Mental health alliance launched in Sheffield

A new alliance of mental health providers and service users has been launched to improve the health and well-being of the people of Sheffield. The Synergy mental health alliance has more than 100 members including voluntary organisations, decision makers from the local authority, GP’s, and experts by lived experience working together to improves the lives of people with mental health issues. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor spoke to Rachel Siviter, independent chair of Synergy.

Autism charity in the running for lottery cash

Sheffield based charity, Autistics Children and Carers Together (ACCT) has been shortlisted for the public vote stage of the National Lottery funded People’s Projects and is calling for public support. The charity could win a vital grant of £70,000 to support its work with more than 500 children and their families in Sheffield. It offers activities and a supportive environment for autistic young people to relax and be themselves, developing confidence, social skills and making friends. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Former tree campaigner calls for better accountability from Sheffield Council

An extraordinary Sheffield Council meeting last week to discuss the findings of the Lowcock Tree Inquiry into the Street Trees Dispute turned heated as questions were raised by former tree campaigners. Calvin Payne who was arrested in 2016 for protesting against the cutting down of thousands of trees across the city told Sheffied Live! he accepts the council’s apology over the felling of street trees and the treatment of campaigners but feels more accountability is needed. Baillor Jalloh reports.