Diaspora (Commonwealth Union) _ Since 2018, African Voices Platform (AVP) has been curating and sharing stories that authentically represent African communities and the diaspora in Britain through radio and TV in partnership with Sheffield Live! Now, equipped with their independent radio station, they aim to reach a wider audience and create a space where diverse voices can share their experiences.
The UK media has long struggled with its portrayal of Black and African citizens, often lacking a dedicated space for these communities. While some progress has been made, stories and issues unique to these communities remain consistently overlooked.
One Sheffield-based media organisation is working to change that. With the launch of a new dedicated radio station, AVP is reclaiming space for Africans and the diaspora in Sheffield and beyond. The platform has become a vital source for those seeking news and insights related to Africa and its diaspora. Since 2018, the team has worked tirelessly to shed light on African experiences, with Sheffield at the heart of their mission.
Tchiyiwe Chihana, AVP’s managing director, recalls how some unflattering comments Haiti upset him and a friend.
That friend, Bailor Jalloh, responded by broadcasting on Sheffield Live!, where he was already working. Initially, there was no formal plan to create a programme just a desire to challenge the narrative put forward by Trump. Over time, Tchiyiwe became a regular guest and saw the platform’s untapped potential.
“We realised there was a real gap in information in Sheffield, not just for African heritage communities, but also for service providers looking to engage with them. So, I proposed that we register AVP and make it more formal,” she explains.
Since then, AVP has been broadcasting every Wednesday between 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM on Sheffield Live! radio and TV, reaching over 30,000 households across South Yorkshire. Covering topics from mental health to political news concerning the diaspora, AVP ensures that African stories are told authentically, free from mainstream media distortions.
With support from Sheffield City Council, AVP has expanded beyond political discussions, becoming a hub for African artists and creatives. This backing has helped amplify local African talent and forge partnerships with renowned groups such as K.O.G & the Zongo Brigade, Otis Mensah, and Utopia Theatre.
“These African creatives now have a platform, and there’s greater visibility for us,” says Tchiyiwe. “People can learn more about what’s happening in Sheffield’s African diaspora creative scene. That’s our strength.”
AVP’s success has led to the birth of its own independent digital radio station. Enoch Karimba, who manages partnerships and community engagement, explains the rationale behind this move. “Sheffield Live! caters to all communities, and while AVP has broadcasted there for years, we wanted our own independent platform.”
The team first discussed plans for an independent station during the pandemic, but they had to exercise patience due to the period’s uncertainty. Their initial application to Ofcom faced challenges, requiring revisions and resubmissions. Despite these setbacks, AVP finally secured their radio license in August 2023, a testament to their dedication and community impact.
“Our goal is to foster community engagement and promote cultural exchange across the continent and the diaspora,” Enoch explains. “By focusing on local stories, social issues, and cultural expression, we aim to empower our listeners and provide a space where their experiences and perspectives are valued.”
AVP Radio offers diverse programming, covering topics such as mental health within the diaspora, women’s empowerment, and African music. The station also tackles critical social issues, including youth violence and knife crime, offering discussions often ignored by mainstream media.
The platform has already attracted interest from communities across Africa, including Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia, and South Africa. AVP also prioritises inclusivity among its hosts, ensuring representation from African-Caribbean communities and beyond.
“We don’t want it to feel like ‘us’ and ‘them,’” Enoch stresses. “When we talk about African voices, we include anyone who identifies as African or of African descent. We don’t discriminate.”
Looking ahead, AVP aims to collaborate with community leaders, artists, and change-makers to create engaging discussions. The team has already recruited 13 hosts, many of whom trained through AVP’s Sheffield Live! slot.
One particularly exciting addition is an elderly community member affectionately known as Gogo. “She’s almost 90 years old and beloved in Sheffield. She’s applied to host her own show on culture, stories, and heritage. That, to me, feels very fulfilling,” says Tchiyiwe.
With an official launch date set for 1 April, the AVP team is eager to see their vision take shape. Tchiyiwe expresses her hopes for the future: “I want this to be intergenerational and purpose-built for the next generation. I don’t want to hold onto this space it has to be transformative. I want to see young people start to own it. And I think that’s already happening.”
