BBC 1Xtra’s Clara Amfo talks to enewsgh.com about joining the radio station and hosting the Red Carpet at the MOBO Awards 2013.
Q. When and where did your radio career start?
A. My radio career started at KISS FM UK. I joined as a Marketing assistant and left a presenter.
Q. Was joining BBC Radio 1Xtra a dream come true for you?
A. Absolutely. I’d been a fan of the station for as long as I can remember.
Q. How many years have you been a radio personality?
A. This is my fifth year.
Q. Names of celebrities you’ve interviewed?
A. Pharrel Williams , Drake , Nicki Minaj , Mary J Blige ,Taylor Swift , Alicia Keys , Brandy , Gwen Stefani , Jessie J , Neyo , Solange Knowles , to name a few.
Q. You were nominated for ‘Rising Star’ at the Sony Radio Award 2012, what did it mean to you then and now?
A. It meant a lot to me then as it was nice to be recognized by established figures in the industry and even though I didn’t win, the nomination was so appreciated. Today, it still means as much to me probably more as it is a reminder of something great that I never expected to happen as well as a reminder that I have the potential to achieve what I want!
Q. September 2014 is a year since you joined 1xtra, any memorable moment(s) so far?
A. There have been a lot! Obviously my very first show as I had not been on air for three months prior. It was great to push up the fader and get on with it. Interviewing Pharrel Williams was special as he is one of my Top 3 musical heroes … and luckily he was nice.
Q. Name of music festivals that you’ve reported from?
A. LoveBox , Wireless , NASS , SW4 , 1Xtra Live , Radio 1’s Big Weekend
Q. Names of your Voice Over clients?
A. I’ve done work for MTV, London Live, Nike, E4, Motorola, Ariel … a lot!
Q. Describe what it was like hosting the red Carpet at the MOBO Awards 2013?
A. I was reporting live from the red carpet for 1Xtra and it was the first live OB (Outside broadcast) I’d done since joining and it was being simulcast on radio 1 so I was a little nervous! Even though, it was pouring with rain, it was so much fun. We managed to get all the interviews from all the nominated artistes so it was a (very wet) success!
Q. You were in Ghana in 2011 for a charity project with Plan UK: do you plan on returning anytime soon?
A. Yes, Ghana is on my mind! I’m hoping to go back in the first quarter next year. I’ve been in touch with the fair trade chocolate company Divine Cholate since last year and hopefully check out their work with the Kuapa Koko Farmers.
Q. Last words/future plans?
A. I just want to keep on doing what I love and not limit myself!
By Gameli Hamelo/enewsgh.com