"The love and support of my fans is my fuel," says RJ Sophiya Anjam

What inspired you to pursue a career as an RJ and show host, and what keeps you motivated in this dynamic field?

Since I was a kid, I knew that the Media was my true calling. I was always the one on stage with the mic, the student who took the spotlight as far as extracurricular activities were concerned. So eventually, I cushioned my education forward and did my Masters in Mass Communication. Interestingly, I thought I would venture out into acting but the offer to become an RJ was more of a surprise but it had to happen, of course. Radio was the stepping stone towards my media journey. The rest as they say, is history! I was offered TV show hosting and event hosting after that. Recently, I even ventured out into acting through a film and web series. It all stemmed from radio!

What has always kept me motivated are 3 solid reasons. (A) To always keep evolving, to keep growing, to get bigger and better by overcoming challenges since complacency is not for me (B) The love and support of my followers and fans. Their feedback is my fuel. They keep me going! (C) The high I get on stage when I host events and interact with people of different cultures and backgrounds around the world. To connect with them

How do you prepare for your shows to ensure they are engaging and resonate with your audience?

When I started off more than 17 years ago, I used to spend hours on preparation, research and even script writing. After years of experience, all I need is 15-30 minutes of focus and I’m good! For my Radio Show ‘Sounds Good With Sophie’ on VibeFM105,4, I make sure I know the relevance of the date in question for any birthday, anniversary, occasion, fun fact etc, so it resonates with my listeners. I give related artist/song information and make sure the playlist is apt. There are useful updates, along with direct engagement with my listeners. For my radio shows, the listeners are royalty! My show is all about my listeners & I live for them on air.

For my live shows at events, I make sure I do my proper research before addressing the audience and prep up for the script, my dress code and crowd engagement. The client is king here. It all has to be well thought off but with my expertise now, I can even wing it last minute on the spot without a memo! Not that I’d prefer that so please don’t get any ideas dearest clients of mine

What has been the most memorable moment or interview during your career so far?

I have hosted, interviewed and announced many celebrities from across the globe. From Ranveer Singh to Honey Singh, Imran Khan(cricketer) to Abida Parveen. Sunil Grover to Alisha Chinoy, Shahid Afridi to Arshad Nadeem, Kartik Aryan to Jassie Gill, Atif Aslam to Hania Amir, Fawad Khan to Darren Sammy & from diplomats to heads of states.

However, the most memorable would be with the late Junaid Jamshed, who was the main vocalist of the popular 80’s & 90’s Pakistani band Vital Signs. I hosted a reunion of the band on my TV show and it was the only show with the members together before he unfortunately passed away. I was always a fan of his and he was a humble soul, always kept in touch with me. That show in 2016 was iconic and memorable for not just me but for all of his fans.

What role do you think social media and digital platforms play in enhancing a radio host’s connection with their audience today?

Being relevant is key! There will always be growth if we learn to move with changing times. With the social media and digital platforms, you have a wider reach, so for example, a certain kind of audience does not manually tune into a radio but watches RJs digitally, the purpose is served. Engagement and interaction is doubled, there is Content Promotion & Sharing, you get to build your own Personal Brand and Authenticity because RJs & Emcees are now considered brands as well. Audience Insight and Analytics are tangible, which can help RJs improve. So holistically, by leveraging digital platforms/social media, Radio Hosts & Emcees such as myself can strengthen our connection with the audience and stay relevant in the rapidly evolving media landscape. 

What advice would you give to aspiring RJs or hosts who want to make their mark in the entertainment industry?

First and foremost, consistency is key. I have a firm belief that slowly is the fastest way to be where you want to be. Just stay focused. Work on your strengths and weaknesses. Understand your aptitude and individuality, don’t push it, as one size doesn’t fit all. Keep yourself relevant, do your research, build relationships and buckle up for the ride because you will have lots of ups and down which you need to combat with patience and passion. Never comprise on your principles for anything. Always remember to keep going!