Born in Dallas, Texas, raised in southwest Michigan, and calling Grand Rapids his home, Silverio "Silver" Cerda shares his love for Spanish-language rhythms and sounds as a volunteer programmer on WYCE 88.1fm. Silverio joined the community radio station's morning show El Mundo Musical earlier this year, keeping the tradition of Spanish-speaking broadcasts on WYCE running past the 35-year mark. The show airs live on weekdays 5-7am and weekends 6-8am, with Silverio hosting Thursdays and Fridays.
Lea una versión en español de este artículo traducido por Deisy Madrigal aquí.
How does it feel being the newest host for El Mundo Musical? Were there any words of wisdom passed on from your show mentors?
I feel great to be able to connect with the community of Grand Rapids through the radio station. The best advice that was given to me from both of my fellow show programmers was to just be myself.
How would you describe the variety of music played on El Mundo Musical?
The music played on El Mundo Musical is heavily influenced by the listeners. The Spanish-speaking community is very diverse and has so many styles, genres, and countries you can play to connect with all of them.
How is the show used to empower the local Latinx community?
The show is at 5-7am in the morning—most of the listeners are working or going to work. I am very surprised and grateful to get calls from people on their way to work or at their jobs. The community of listeners is very supportive. I like to remind them that I am there to play music for them!
I always get great recommendations on music they want to hear. I believe they get a sense of community connection through our interactions on the show, but El Mundo could definitely benefit by having later shows that would reach more local Latinx artists in the community.
What are some moments you treasure from your experience hosting El Mundo Musical so far?
I have been on the show for a short time and I can say that I treasure every time I get a call from a listener to request a song. This lets me know that they feel connected to the show and, even if the request doesn’t really flow with the music I play, just knowing that they want to be a part of it makes me happy.
What is your vision for the show and WYCE in the years ahead?
I would like to see the show more present in the Latinx community and represented at local events, and even team up with other local stations. El Mundo does have a base, but to expand that base would empower even more people in the community.
Is there anything you’d like the community to know about El Mundo Musical that could use more attention?
The Latinx community is continuously growing in Grand Rapids and El Mundo Musical is a great way to connect with our diverse Spanish-speaking neighbors. We want to welcome all connections and support from all of Grand Rapids’ surrounding cities.
Catch Silverio's shows and eclectic playlists featuring reggaeton, cumbia, mambo, and other Latin-based genres on Thursday and Friday mornings on 88.1fm. Learn more about El Mundo Musical's other hosts in upcoming Q&As on The Rapidian.
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