RJ Annah Jacob thinks UAE radio is here to stay

FOR YEARS SHE'S been a popular name and face on the UAE media scene. You've seen her in magazines, watched her on television or, most recently, heard her distinctive friendly lilt on the radio. Dubai's current princess of pop Annah Jacob is no stranger to being interviewed (or doing the interviewing for that matter), but what really makes her tick? Here we scratch beneath the surface to get Annah's thoughts on radio's popularity, social media matters and how to get the party started.   
 
Why do you think radio is still so popular?
It's going to be a while before radio becomes obsolete despite our digital-heavy progression. It's still the medium of choice for the average person while commuting. Now that radio can be delivered through the web, it means anyone with a cell-phone and a data package can tune in. And added incentives like the chance to win big prizes, free messaging options etc. just continue to make radio a popular format.

What do you think makes a great radio presenter? What advice do you have for anyone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Some of my favourite radio presenters have been ones who made me feel like they were talking TO me and not AT me. The ones who made me laugh. The ones who made me forget I was stuck in traffic. The ones who gave me food for thought. And the ones who made me feel like they were a friend.
The only advice I can give for those wanting to become a radio presenter is to remember that the show isn't about you - it's about how you can relate to that one person listening to you at any moment in time.

What makes your show and station stand out? What is the favourite part of your job?
Pearl 102FM is the only English-language radio station in this region dedicated to children and their families. That means our programming and content is so unique to everything else you'll hear on radio here. My favourite part of the job is giving incredibly inspiring young adults (between the ages of 6 and 12) this public platform to talk about issues that matter to them - bullying, the environment, conserving resources, peer pressure, stress etc. Most grown-ups tend to underestimate just how much children can contribute towards creating a positive society.
 
What do you like listening to on the radio?
My playlists vary during the day. Usually my mornings begin with listening to the likes of John Mayer, Michael Bublé and the Rat Pack. While commuting I'll channel-surf or opt for my customised hip-hop compilations. Then there's sing-along retro hits for the evenings.  

How important is social media to a) your career and b) your life?
Social media is crucial to my career in keeping in touch with my audience as well as building upon it. I'm not as regular with the platform for my personal life because I'm usually too busy enjoying the moment that I often forget to snap it!

How would you describe your style?
When it comes to style, I often wear something I think I look great in whether it's trendy or not. I rarely wear flats but if you are going to wear heels, get the ones where the incline isn't that steep. It'll hurt less!

If you could RJ with anyone in the world who would it be and why?
Ryan Seacrest. I love celeb news and Ryan seems to know it all!

What are your plans for the future both near and overall?
I would love to work in the entertainment industry in New York or LA one day.

Annah's fitness tips
1) Get a fitness buddy. You're less likely to flake out.
2) Aim to work out three days a week as a start and do group classes. You'll still push yourself more than you would on your own.
3) Don't give up eating your favourite meals but watch your portion size.
Top three songs to get the party started?
> Uptown Funk - Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars
> One Dance - Drake feat Kyla and Wizkid
> MmmBop - Hanson
 The BIO
"My name is Annah 'Banana' Jacob. I'm a third culture kid - my parents are South Indian but I was born and raised in Dubai. I graduated in engineering but my career path has been rather colourful. I started working for a record label, moved on to advertising, and then a chance audition for local TV station Dubai One led to my career in entertainment and media.
 Apart from co-hosting the TV show Twenty Something, I also presented and produced for a variety of shows on celeb entertainment, football, lifestyle and such. Thanks to a call from Kris Fade of Virgin Radio Dubai, I joined the team as a freelance weekend and relief presenter for three years before I was approached by Pearl 102FM to host their after-school show Hits & Homework. The idea of a children's radio station was so radical for this market, I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of its growth."
david@khaleejtimes.com