We’ve known for a long time that Radio 1 presenter Sheena Kimatrai’s a winner — and now it’s official. The Canadian radio star (she presents The Sheena Show, weekdays 10am-1pm, Saturdays 1pm-4pm) is a classic star-is-born story: discovered working in Radio 1’s marketing department, the chattiness that might have gotten her sacked instead got her a spot on air, and the rest is history. We caught up with her after winning the Best In Dubai award last week.
Congratulations on winning the Best In Dubai award. What do you think cinched it for you?
I’m blessed to have wonderful listeners who tune in every day and have become a part of my show and daily routine. The support and love that they show us is definitely the reason for this award and the reason that I love my job so much.
How would you describe your style?
Chatty! Definitely chatty! I’m pretty much just myself on air. Whether it’s sharing the silly things that happen to me on a daily basis, hearing stories from listeners, talking about the latest celebrity news or music updates, it’s all one big casual chat on The Sheena Show. Listeners are welcome to participate!
Who chooses the music and content of your show? Is it all you? Why do you play what you play?
We have a music department that selects and schedules the music that we play. In my show we have the Radio 1 Rewind as well where we play tracks from back in time and take you on a little trip down memory lane. The content is different every single day depending on what’s happening around the UAE and in the music world at the time.
What are your favourite tracks right now and why?
Drake Hold On, We’re Going Home — because I love Drake and it’s just such a cute song that’s fun to sing along to!
What song do you not want to hear again from the summer?
It’s not from this summer but the one song that I would be happy to never hear again is Gangnam Style!
You’re very active on social media. What have been the most memorable interactions you’ve had with listeners?
I started a twitter hashtag called “#twinging” which is when you tweet the lyrics to a song you’re listening to — kind of like ‘singing along’ but ‘twinging along’. We got hundreds of people twinging to Radio 1 songs for weeks.
What’s the best and worst things about being a presenter?
I get paid to listen to music and chat with people! It doesn’t get any better than that! But really, the best part of my job is chatting with the listeners. I’ve learned so much about the UAE, life and even myself by listening to the people who call in and participate. The worst part is having to work on holidays when everyone else is out having fun — at least it’s just a few hours!
What led you to becoming a presenter in the first place?
I never even dreamed about being a presenter despite the fact that I always had a passion for music. I started working for the radio station in the marketing department and was quickly told I talk too much in the office and so they put me in the studio and told me to talk there.
What’s are the scariest/funniest moments you’ve had on air?
The funniest thing that happened to me on air was when I got the hiccups and they kept popping up every time I tried to speak.
You’re super positive and spread that message through the airwaves. How do you stay so positive?
My mum always taught me to be grateful for everything — the good times and the bad and that there’s always a reason to smile. Despite this mentality, sometimes it’s difficult to stay energetic and positive but the love and happy vibes from the listeners always helps, as does the great music that we play on Radio 1. There’s always a track that helps to uplift you no matter what mood you’re in.
Off the air: What are you top things to do in Dubai these days?
Now that the weather is good, I love to spend time outside at cafes in the marina or on the beach. I’ve also been trying to spend more time at the gym!
