Artist profile - Aubrey Philo: ‘Don’t let people who can’t achieve their own dreams criticise yours’ |03 August 2017

Every week the Entertainment page will try to bring you a short profile on a Seychellois artist, be it in the performing, visual or other forms of arts.

In our twentieth profile, readers will learn more about the talented radio presenter, and the chief executive of Kreol Entertainment and K-Radio Aubrey Philo aka AAP.

AAP has made a name for himself at the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) by being the Breakfast Show host on Paradise FM and the voice behind the Knock Out programme on SBC television.

He has been inspired by many personalities who worked at Paradise FM like Paul Freathy, Clint Maximus and Digby Taylor.

AAP is among a group of talented young individuals who made history recently by introducing a new radio station that will soon hit Seychelles airwaves with a diverse mix of entertainment. The others are DMC Taj, Ezy D, Sylvie, Alister and Cus Mun.

Q: When did you start your career as a radio host?

 A:  I started doing work attachment in 2003 when I was at the Seychelles Polytechnic before starting at the then AM Radio in March 2005. After a short break, I started on Paradise FM in November 2005, hosting Breakfast Show from February to July 2006. I went away for studies in 2006 and been back in 2009 at Paradise FM until March this year.

Q: How did you find this job when you first started?

A:  Iwas like a kid, excited about everything.

Q:  What’s your motto or the advice you live by?

A:  I do not have a motto, but nothing good comes easy and don’t let people who can’t achieve their own dreams criticise yours. Simple as that.

Q: How do you overcome negative comments among the society?                                                                                                    

A: It is part of life, Alpha and Omega, Ying and Yang. If there are negative comments then it only means you are doing something positive.

Q:  Who inspired you to go into the entertainment business?

A: I was inspired by the Djs on Paradise FM. This business I am in now, which is my bread and butter, a lot has to do with Travis Julienne (DMC Taj). He has been in this business for far more years than I have but I have a lot of experience in radio. When the two brains come together, then we have Kreol Entertainment and K-radio.

Q: So, what other hidden talents do you have?

A: Talents, eh? I reckon radio is what I know best. I have been told that I am a good teacher as well.

Q: What do you need to know in order to be fit for this job, and what skills do you need to have?

 A:Frankly, you need passion. If you are in it for glamour and fame then forget it. You need to be able to multi-task and smile when you do the job. It is a lot of power in your hands but also responsibility to be able to talk to the mass like no other medium can.

Q: How do you think you can develop the entertainment business in Seychelles?

A: We need to believe in our Seychellois. I do not see why we cannot entrust our own people with running a radio station or let alone open one? Why do we always think it must be some rich Russians or whoever behind it? We need to stop following binaries and innovate and believe in the power and talent of our people. So my answer is to give Seychellois the chance to flourish.

Q: Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as an entertainer? 

A: I do not find anything unique about me but I doubt there is anyone here who loves radio as much as I do. I am always listening to the radio and I have made it my prerogative to know everything there is to know about radio from installation of antenna, programming and presenting. I just love it.

Q:  What do you expect from the new radio station, K-Radio?

A: I expect it will fill a gap that is missing and that is proper Seychelles’ tailored entertainment made by Seychellois for Seychellois. It is also a continuation of the work we started at Paradise FM to have a Current Hit Radio in Seychelles. It will be our gift to the youth, an inspiration for all Seychellois who want to do something of themselves.

Q: What will be unique in terms of entertainment, and when do we expect to hear the station on air?

A: We will let you know as soon as possible, though the tests will start sometime this month and hopefully go to air shortly after that once all the technical specifications have been satisfied. What’s unique? A Radio by young Seychellois!

Q: What advice would you give to people who would like to work in this particular field?

A:  Firstly, you need to have a passion for it. Love it, breathe it and live it. Secondly, listen to as many radio stations as you can and find your own style. Take criticisms positively and improve yourself. And smile!

Compiled by U.J.