‘My first love for the radio started since I was a kid’
Chanty, as she is popular known, is one of the radio personalities who claims she has grown a lot through being a radio producer and presenter. In this edition, we learn more about Chantal’s ‘Chanty’ career and what she does on a daily basis.
Seychelles NATION: When did you start working with the radio?
Chanty: With radio, generally, I started in 1998 with Pure FM. But I was not working as a presenter back then. I started as a receptionist. With a strong passion for radio, years later I decided to join the radio presenter’s team. It was Veronica, my boss then, who pushed for me to eventually have the opportunity to work on the radio. It was my first start, my first attempt. My first programme was in French called ‘La Belle Vie’. I also had other shows which I co-hosted with other presenters. That was my first experience. But my first love for radio started since I was a kid. I have always wanted to become a radio presenter. It was and still is my passion. All this has to do with music which I enjoy. My last year at Pure FM was 2019. Then I joined Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation’s (SBC) Paradise FM in January 2020.
Seychelles NATION: There are numerous forms of media, why did you choose radio?
Chanty: Frankly, I do not know. Maybe it was the voice. I think I am a person who has learned a lot through the radio. Especially from the songs. I have not had the opportunity to do advanced studies in this field, but I have been able to learn a lot through the radio. For me, I feel that the radio is a form of education, and from there it can be also entertaining. If I have been able to discover this world through radio, why not encourage others to do the same?
Seychelles NATION: Soon, it will be four years since you started your career as a radio presenter. Talk about your experience.
Chanty: It has not been an easy four years. Firstly, the language barrier was a major obstacle. I was not born or grew up in Seychelles, but I am a Seychellois born in Lebanon. So, Creole was a barrier. However, my French-speaking background helped me tremendously. By nature, I am a timid person, and obviously this does not translate into someone who works as a radio presenter. Your typical radio presenter would be someone who is outgoing, friendly and lively. Therefore, because of my personality I have been rejected a few times to work on the radio. It was not easy. I had to work really hard by myself to develop my personality and character.
Despite the fact that I am still a little bit timid, with time I became more comfortable. When I joined Paradise FM, the majority of the programmes were in Creole. So, I had to ensure that my preparations were in Creole. At times there were words that I did not even know. Therefore, I tend to say them in French which did not come out well, most of the time. Hence, when I present, I am a bit slow as I need to go through the process of structuring my sentences in my mind. Apart from that there are no huge difficulties. I think that when you enjoy doing something you love, you do not see the difficulties. Instead, you want to do better and become better at what you do.
Seychelles NATION: What are the qualities you think one needs to become a radio presenter?
Chanty: That is a difficult question. I cannot say frankly what are the qualities you will need. But, what I see and hear from others is that there should be no barriers. You should be open minded and ready to accept criticisms, and should at no point allow yourself to give up. I do not know! (Sighs) My biggest role model was Sylvie. There are also Chicco, Queenly and others who have in one way or another inspired me. I really do envy their character and personality. I wish I was like them. Unfortunately, or fortunately, I cannot be them. I am a quieter person, way much more quiet than them (laughs).
Seychelles NATION: You talked about criticism. Surely you have heard people talking about your programmes, whether positively or negatively. Share some reviews you have received from your audience. Also talk about the relationships you have been able to build from these.
Chanty: Like I have mentioned, it was the language barrier. That was the main criticism at the outset. When I started on the radio I was heavily criticised that I was pretending not to know Creole. People were saying, ‘Be zot koz Kreol!’. This was one of the criticisms I received the most since my Creole was not always clear. Another reproach was that my voice was too soft.
On the positive side of things, people appreciated when I do ‘Love Struck’, ‘La Belle Vie’ and ‘The Cruise’ with Oriji. During the ‘Love Struck’ programme I am able to help many people who are having difficulties in their love life. Each time I finish the show, some people call to say thank you. I always wanted these kinds of topics to be talked about, but I always thought that I was the only one with the problem or going through these situations, but many others are going through the same. People really enjoy and appreciate this programme. They need these topics ‒ topics that society needs to talk about.
Seychelles NATION: What are the programmes that you are currently hosting?
Chanty: I am hosting a few programmes actually. ‘Love Struck’ is one of them. It talks about love. ‘La Belle Vie’ is a French programme where I play French songs and address French topics. It is also a programme where you can discover French artists. This show has received positive feedback and I was really surprised that so many people enjoy listening to the old French songs. I also have good feedback from people who get really nostalgic and reliving the days by listening to these songs.
I also co-host ‘The Cruise’ with Oriji from 3pm to 6pm every day, except on Wednesdays and Thursdays when I have my two shows at night. These are ‘Love Struck’ from 6pm to 8pm on Wednesdays and ‘La Belle Vie’ on Thursdays from 6pm to 8pm.
Usually I do not work on mornings. I only come in if there is a need to replace someone who is absent. I think that I am able to balance my personal life with work, most definitely. To have this balance depends on the individual.
Seychelles NATION: As a radio presenter, how do you connect with your audience?
Chanty: It was not easy at all in the beginning. However, with the training I received here, where they explained how to connect to people when on air, for instance, has helped me to develop as a radio presenter and the need to think about the people, but also to think about what they are doing at that particular time. You need to have a connection with all of them while talking with one at a time. This has allowed me to put myself in their shoes and connect with their daily problems.
You know, at times when going around you hear people complaining about issues with their transport, what they have planted in their garden, the weather, etc. You can use these in your programmes to connect with them. It is nice to then get texts from them saying that they have been through these situations. It is not easy because you have different mentality, personality and ages. You will not be able to please and entertain everyone, not all of them will like the show, but I try.
Seychelles NATION: What have you enjoyed the most since becoming a radio presenter?
Chanty: I have changed. I have changed a lot. I am more confident, especially when talking in Creole. It has been a learning process. Like they say you never stop learning. Things which I never thought of doing, I am doing them today. Team work is also important. The team we have here is incredible. We are a package basically.
Source: Seychelles Nation