Behind the Mic – Nathalie ‘Chocolat’ |24 October 2022

Nathalie ‘Chocolat’

‘I never say that I know everything, because I always believe that I need to be better than yesterday’

For 20 years Nathalie Rose, AKA Nathalie ‘Chocolat’ has been entertaining radio listeners in Seychelles on the popular Paradise FM Radio and also Radyo Sesel. Seychelles NATION met up with Nathalie Chocolat, principal officer at Paradise FM, who shares her personal experiences as a radio presenter.

Seychelles NATION: Firstly, how did the name Nathalie Chocolat come about?

Nathalie: The name comes from the song ‘Nathalie Chocolat’ sang by Benjamin, which I eventually used as my intro song for my programmes.

Seychelles Nation:Nathalie Chocolat is a very popular personality not only on Paradise FM but all over Seychelles. How was your rise to such popularity?

Nathalie Chocolat:Well, I started as a Producer Presenter with RadyoSesel. I have 20 years experience working for SBC and for about half of this time I have worked both with RadyoSesel and Paradise FM. This is because at one point I was working part-time with Paradise FM and full-time with RadyoSesel, until recently I moved full-time with Paradise FM.

Seychelles NATION: Why radio?

Nathalie Chocolat: I started doing radio programmes when I was still at school. I used to host children’s programmes. Back then kids presented children’s programmes on TV. So, from there the interest grew. When I was not able to host the programmes, I always kept in touch with the presenters. Funnily enough, the day I was to start with SBC I had two job prospects and both were to start the same day. I chose SBC instead of the second option which was to work with Air Seychelles. At some point in my life I had a passion for aviation. I still do, but radio has taken control over this passion. I do not regret my decision at all. I think it was a good choice as I am still doing it with passion today.

Seychelles NATION: 20 years of experience, you have surely seen a lot. Talk about your experiences.

Nathalie Chocolat: It was and still is an interesting journey. An exceptional journey in other words. In 20 years I have discovered and explored a lot of different things through this medium. You know, what is interesting with radio is that you have the chance to do different things. I remember very vividly when I started. I started with short programmes on Health, Nutrition, Women and many others. After that, I grew and I was able to spread my wings so to speak, and delve into longer programmes such as Fishing. To note I do get seasick. But I managed to push through with my programmes. I also did programmes for the elderly and many more. I have been able to work across a myriad aspects of life. This has helped me tremendously. More so, to grow as an individual. The highlight of those 20 years surely has been my personal development as a human being. I have discovered myself, my potential, my creativity, my skill and talent. But I have to become better. Voila! I think the key to all this is the willingness to develop yourself mentally as a person.

Seychelles NATION: Can you share with our readers, your career path during those 20 years?

Nathalie Chocolat: During my 20 years I have more or less been a producer presenter. But about six to seven years ago I took on a more administrative role with Paradise FM. Today I am the principal officer at Paradise FM. As the principal officer my responsibility is basically to oversee the work of the team at Paradise FM.

I will always remain a presenter. I still present on the radio and I am still producing programmes. However, I must say that at present I do miss going out to prepare for programmes. I do miss that part, but I still do have the love for the job as a producer.

Seychelles NATION: What are the qualities a good radio presenter must have?

Nathalie Chocolat: A good radio presenter must be a person who enjoys talking, not shy and must be creative. For someone to simply sit in a studio and play music, this is not enough. You should be well organised and be well prepared. For example, with Paradise FM there is a three-hour vacuum that you need to fill apart from the music. There are no programmes. On the other hand, Radyo Sesel already have programmes across different time slots where you have time to breathe a little. This is not the case with Paradise FM. You need to fill in those empty slots with items. You are the one who will have to find your items or programmes and this takes a lot of time, energy and creativity. You must be innovative in what you do to be a good radio presenter. Also, you should enjoy what you are doing and wanting to make a difference. At the end of the three hours you should be able to say to yourself, ‘Wow I have done good today!’. Moreover, a good presenter must be a person who can work under pressure and be spontaneous, in the sense that there will be instances where you will have to think on your feet and get things moving. Another important quality is to be able to conduct research. This is as equally important.

Seychelles NATION: You have worked for Radyo Sesel and Paradise FM. Talk a bit about the difference between the two stations.

Nathalie Chocolat: From the outset, I would say that Radyo Sesel is a radio station for information. Information in the sense of how it is transmitted through the long programmes, the interviews, the many messages and announcements. Like many people know, Radyo Sesel is very popular for its announcements and messages, lots of transmissions like the National Assembly which is transmitted live; which Paradise FM does not do. What Paradise FM does is the opposite. It is a station that provides entertainment for people. Of course it does have the information and education component. After all, that is the mandate of SBC – to educate, to inform and to entertain. However, the way it is done on Paradise FM is completely different to that at Radyo Sesel. For instance, if I am to do a Health programme, it will not be a long programme on Paradise FM. Unlike Radyo Sesel, Paradise FM would include other bits in between the main programme like short drop-ins, mentions and interviews to make it more interesting. It is educating but in an entertaining way.

Seychelles NATION: You must have contact with your audience. What are some of the reviews you have received?

Nathalie Chocolat: I think they enjoy it. I would say that I have learnt. I am still learning. I never say that I know everything because I always believe that I need to be better than yesterday. I am not perfect but I always try to improve on my weaknesses. But the greatest satisfaction is when you finish a show, for example ‘Kouler Tropik’, and people want more, or when you are not hosting people look for you. This shows that you have a good rapport with your audience and people are satisfied with what you are doing. Not necessarily that I am doing everything perfect, but areas where there needs improvement they will let you know, and you take it from there with the aim to improve. I can say that I have a good rapport with a lot of people who follow the programme. For me, if they follow Paradise FM that is the most important thing. This applies not only for ‘Kouler Tropik’ but for all other shows as well.

Seychelles NATION: Do you have a preference between the two radio stations, AM and FM?

Nathalie Chocolat: I like both actually. I will never forget where I come from. It started at Radyo Sesel but I also appreciate my evolution in my career to be where I am today at Paradise FM. I will continue to push forth so that Paradise FM continues to shine and do even better. However, I still host programmes on Radyo Sesel on Sunday at 6am. So,I still have this attachment with Radyo Sesel. When I am hosting the show on Sundays I put in all my energy. Additionally, when I am on Paradise FM it is the same thing. I put in the same energy. So, I share both equally. As I have mentioned I have love for both because I do recognise and appreciate where I started and where I have reached today.

Seychelles NATION: Can you share some details about the programmes you host, both on Radyo Sesel and Paradise FM.

Nathalie Chocolat: ‘KoulerTropik’ lasts for two hours only on Saturday night. People enjoy this show. We talk, we enjoy in order to relieve pressure after a week’s work. I do also ‘Vibrasyon Kreol’ on Paradise FM with Lindy on Sundays. This is another two hour show on Sundays, from 2-3pm. We bring in the studio a guest artist, normally it is a singer. We tend to bring someone who have been on the music scene for a long time. This is where we analyse the song and also talk about the artist’s career on the musical scene. ‘Un Nouveau Jour’ on Radyo Sesel in the morning at 6am is another programme. This one is a bit more ‘gospelish’. In life we all go through challenges and we therefore use this platform to bring comfort to those who are in these situations and do not know where to turn to. At the same time, through faith we are able to show that other person that we have succeeded in life and people are able to share their experiences without considering religious background. This is where we look for guidance so that we may face life itself.

Seychelles NATION: When presenting on the radio you need to be able to talk to and grab your audience. How do you manage to do that?

Nathalie Chocolat: This is why I say that working on the radio is very difficult. Even though some may say that on a technical level radio is much easier to manipulate. However, in terms of initiating programmes, radio is more difficult. I say this because, the television illustrates with pictures what is being said, whereas on the radio you have to use words to paint a picture for the audience. When you are painting this picture you have to know how to paint. If you are painting it in an abstract manner, obviously different people will have their own interpretation. Nonetheless, if you want to paint the real picture, you need to find ways and means to do that. So, it is a skill you learn on the go. When I came here I did not know anything, and I always mention that no one came here knowing everything. The desire and passion to learn that makes the difference; and with time I learnt and today I can proudly say that I have worked hard. On the same note, I must add that at SBC I am the trainer who trains new recruits. All ‘newbies’ are given a small component of what the radio is. For instance, how to mount a programme, how to edit and learn how to use a camera. This is a component of their probation period, where they will learn how to use different equipment. I tend to concentrate on radio editing, script, recording and mounting of programmes.

Seychelles NATION: Lastly, what have you appreciated the most during your career as a radio presenter?

Nathalie Chocolat: I have appreciated that I have been able to make a difference in myself and others. Whether it be across the different programmes, I have been able to inform, educate, entertain and most importantly bring solace to many people. For me, that is the part of my journey which has been my biggest accomplishment. On the other hand, if ever I do change career, I think a part of me will not be complete. I do not think I will listen to the radio if I do change career, because I feel I would miss that part. I would miss making people laugh and have fun. When you are in the studio it is like a therapy; you come in, you are tired and you start questioning yourself through the tiredness. However, once you go on air and start talking and engaging with the audience, you feel much better.