T-Diaries: Ghazal Zafar

A glimpse into the world of Pakistani powerhouses

What sparked your interest in the radio industry?

I actually started as a VJ around the time that City FM89 came out. Some of my friends were on it, doing a decent job and I used to tune in all the time. Suddenly, one day, I thought ‘Hey, I could do this really well too’. So I asked a friend of mine, RJ Salim Ahmed, to get me an audition and eventually, got in! Radio is more my thing than TV, any day. I prefer to be a voice than a face.

What is the most important thing to keep in mind before recording for a show?

It’s important to sound natural, confident and fluent. As entertainers, we must make sure the material we present is interesting and captivating to the listeners. Usually, we prefer to do a live show over recorded ones.

How has Pakistani radio changed over the past years?

Obviously, it has evolved in every aspect. From good sound quality to material, presenters, RJs and both the quality and quantity of music have all come a long way.

What is the hardest part about being an RJ?

I wouldn’t say it’s the hardest but the most important thing would be to stay ahead of your game in every possible way.

What do you think about the new talent coming into the media?

There is always room for new media and improvement. So far so good!

Any advice to young women aspiring to become RJs?

Find out what you love and then find a way to make money from it. Being an RJ requires that kind of love, passion and commitment.

Ghazal Zafar

Radio Jockey

Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, August 2^nd, 2015.