Sabrina-Anne is a DJ, party starter, and the voice behind ‘The DSTNGR Show’ on Oroko Radio — a platform she uses to champion fresh, soulful sounds and spotlight emerging talent. Music has always been central to her self-expression, from losing herself on the dance floor to curating spaces where artists can shine.
When Oroko Radio launched in 2021 with a mission to amplify alternative sounds from Africa and the diaspora, she seized the opportunity to bring her creative platform DSTNGR to life on air. Four years later, her bi-monthly show has become a trusted space for Jazz-leaning grooves, Soul, Alternative R&B, Hip-Hop and the occasional dance-floor wildcard — all stitched together with her love for taking listeners on a journey.
We spoke to Sabrina-Anne about the nuances of her show and it helped her craft mesmeric soundscapes for her listeners.
Tell us about why you wanted to become a radio host?
Sabrina-Anne: Music is my life! It’s always been a part of me and my self expression. I absolutely love dancing so the dance floor became my favourite place. It’s where I felt the most freedom when I was younger and so, anything attached to music became of interest to me. I immerse myself into music in so many ways. I’m a DJ, I throw parties, I manage artists. I wear quite a few hats, probably too many! I’ve always thoroughly enjoyed the essence of sharing music and platforming emerging talent, that’s why I wanted to become a radio host. It’s another avenue for me to showcase the music that I love and the music talent I truly admire.
What was it about radio that really enticed you?
Creating a world and bringing people into it. It’s a space to be yourself, share your personality and what you enjoy. Through music alone, so much great energy can be transmitted to others. Creating a soundscape for people to enjoy is super fun. I love it!
How did you get your radio show on Oroko Radio?
When Oroko Radio launched back in December 2021, they made a call out for radio residents. I loved the ethos of their platform, which is to amplify alternative sounds influenced by Africa and the diaspora. I knew instantly, this was a community I must be a part of and so I applied.
I’m the founder of DSTNGR, a music, fashion and culture platform, again aimed to highlight creative talent. I decided to pitch the idea of bringing the website to life via radio with ‘The DSTNGR Show.’ The Oroko team must’ve liked the idea because I was given a bi-monthly show. I actually couldn’t believe it at the time. Being on radio was always something I wanted to do but I honestly didn’t have the confidence to put myself out there and fight for it to happen. I’m super grateful to Oroko Radio for giving me the opportunity. It’s been a truly amazing experience.
What are some of the guiding principles of ‘The DSTNGR Show?’
I like to take people on a musical journey, introducing them to sounds they may’ve never heard before. The DSTNGR platform was created for people to discover what was fresh and new. This principle carries through to ‘The DSTNGR Show.’ It’s a very sultry and soulful offering but I always like to throw in a wildcard, with something a little more uptempo. So you can expect to hear a lot of Jazz-leaning tracks, Soul, Alternative R&B and Hip-Hop but then I’ll change up the vibe with a fresh Dance track.
What would you say was the one turning point for you in your radio journey?
I guess landing the residency in the first place was the turning point. It’s actually quite incredible to look back and realise I’ve been doing this for four years now. Perhaps the turning point is still yet to come. I think there is a lot I have to continue achieving and I have so much more to learn. I keep my show pretty simple but I would love to make it more dynamic. Small steps though, I’m a busy woman!
Could you break down how you prepare for your shows?
I’m not going to lie, the preparation of my show is so long! Don’t get me wrong, I love it but I’m a last minute girlie so it’s always more intense than it needs to be. Our shows are pre-recorded and we have a deadline of 96 hours before our radio slot to submit our show. Lo and behold, I’ll start the prep on my show probably 48 hours before, even though I’ve had a whole two months to sort myself out! Ridiculous right?!
I have a playlist called ‘Radio Tunes.’ Any new music that catches my attention which I think can work well for the show gets added to this playlist. To curate the show, I then spend time listening back to new music and shortlisting potential tracks. My show runs for an hour so the number of tracks you can play in a show is limited. The sweet spot is usually around 18 tracks, which leaves just enough time for me to add in some talking links throughout the show. Finding the music is the easy part, shortlisting and ordering is an art form! Remember I mentioned, I like to take my listeners on a journey. It’s really important for the show to flow from start to finish.
What is the one show from your archive that you think defines you?
Each one of my shows define me. I couldn’t single one out in particular because I genuinely love each and every show. I also keep to the same format so they are all very similar. My last show was super fun, I kicked it off with Little Simz’s ‘Young!’.
What are some of your proudest moments in your radio career so far?
Being consistent! Making the submission deadlines! It’s the simple things. To be truthful, putting myself out there is something I’m really proud of and also realising perfection is a lie! Nobody is paying attention to that small error or trip over a word that you may have made! Learning to love myself in all my greatness and flaws has been magical! Recording a radio show can feel super intrusive at times. We are bearing our voices to the radio airwaves and the internet, which can feel quite daunting. But I say feel the fear and do it anyway!
“Nobody is paying attention to that small error or trip over a word that you may have made!”
What has satisfied you the most about building the community around you?
Being a part of the Oroko Radio family has been truly incredible. It’s always nice to bump into a fellow resident and they say, ‘I love your show.’ It reminds me that I must be doing something right.
Could you share your top tips for presenting and putting together a radio show?
Don’t be afraid to share what you like and love. Put in the work and do the research. Do your best to know as much as you can about the music you share. Knowledge is power and there is even more power in the sharing of information. When it comes to the actual presentation of the show, be yourself! Nothing can beat that.
What do you think the future of radio looks like?
Traditional radio will always have its place. The TV came along, the internet followed and it’s still here. I do think that community-based radio platforms such as Oroko Radio will continue to be at the forefront of taste making.
What have you learned about yourself through your radio show?
I would have to say that it’s totally fine to just be my imperfect self. Sometimes we can get in our head, pay too much attention to what this person or that person is doing. We see things working for them and so we think, we must do that too! But no, you don’t. You can work things your way, at your own pace and in a way that is right for you. I’m happy to just be me. My radio show gave me the freedom to do things my way. I love that for me!
Follow Sabrina-Anne on Mixcloud.