Hive young writer Sile wins BBC Radio presenting contract!

We are beyond excited to congratulate young writer, performer, presenter and all-round creative talent, Sile Sibanda, who, at just 21 years old, has WON BBC Radio Sheffield’s THIS IS ME presenting job!!

This couldn’t have happened to a more humble, nurturing, positive and hard working young woman. Sile is a joy to work with. When we saw the job we knew it was made for her. Sile has hosted various events for Hive and it’s been clear each time, she has a natural and warm talent for engaging people.

Off she went in December to the auditions at Rotherham’s New York Stadium along with 150 other people. And the standard, says Sheffield’s Lord Mayor Magid Magid, and presenter Toby Foster, was very high. Even shortlisting down to 15 they found it hard to pick the final 3, but there was Sile!

Since moving here as a young child from Zimbabwe, Sile has taken every opportunity with both hands. Always about giving back and enabling others, she has done tons of fab community work over the years particularly supporting younger children in her home town of Rotherham. Sile is exactly who BBC Radio Sheffield need on their team, and we can’t wait to see what she gets up to.

Massive congrats also to Matt Weigold and Abby Russell, both very deserving and talented (and also both spoken word poets!) Both were humble and gracious and thrilled Sile won. And really great of BBC Radio Sheffield, they are hoping to work with them both also in the coming months.

Tim Smith head of BBC Yorkshire & Lincolnshire said: “Although our teams are from all over, we do acknowledge that the BBC serves some more than others. There’s a lot of research been done and we can see the data now. Hopefully, by reaching out and recruiting beyond the usual channels, Radio Sheffield will be listened to by, and representative of, more people.”

Sile said: “I’m truly so, so thrilled. I can’t believe it. I said once, pointing to BBC Radio Sheffield, one day my picture’s going to be up there. And I didn’t know why, I just thought it might. And look!”

Sile, we’re thrilled for you…congratulations! 🙂