Behind the Mic with Jimmy Elizabeth |28 November 2022
Jimmy in the studio
“When people appreciate your work it pushes and encourages you to do more, even better”
With almost 35 years of experience working at the local radio station, Jimmy Elizabeth is no doubt one of the most resourceful persons at the radio. He talks to us about his experiences and the transformation of his career to get where he is today. Besides from being a technician, Mr Elizabeth is a part-time Producer Presenter on RadyoSesel for Saturday Sports.
Seychelles Nation: When did you start working with the radio and how has your journey been so far?
Jimmy Elizabeth:After completing my studies at the National Youth Service (NYS), I worked for about two months at the airport with the Fire Service Department. Then I went to the radio where I started working in the admin section as a messenger. That was back in the 1990s. Two years later I had the chance to transfer in another section and worked as a technician. I eventually ended up loving the job.
The good thing about working with radio is that you have the chance to do a bit of everything. That is working in the different departments. I worked as a technician for quite a while. However, after that I transferred to the radio library section where all the music is stored. It was my responsibility at that time to ensure the provision of all music that was played on the Seychelles’ radio. To point out, that, at that time we were still using reels, tapes and LPs. It was not digital, everything was done manually. In this system there was the announcer who produced the programme. Every day we had to wake up at about 4.00am to prepare and ensure that all equipment worked. The announcer heavily relied on the technicians to ensure that everything goes well. They only presented the programme and manipulated the recorder. In other words, they only did the presentation part of the process. That time the radio station was still at Union Vale. However, today radio presenters do everything themselves as the system is now digitalised.
Following that, I had other interests and also following encouragement from other people I moved into radio production. At that time I was not actually on air but I edited and also did playlists as well as doing all the technical aspects of the work. For example, I had to do the technical part when there is a public address and all other tasks that had to be performed outside of the station. After that we submitted to producers who then did their own editing. I must say that while we still use the reels, especially, for editing, it was a very delicate work. If you wrongly cut the tape you must look for the missing part and stick it back together. At times it got entangled. It was a nightmare. But with support and experiences I gathered while learning on the job I managed to get through. As I have mentioned, it was a working on the job thing since I did not attend any media school. I only received informal trainings from other experienced technicians and through what I have personally been able to pick up.
About three to five years ago a new Imaging Section was created and I joined it. This is where programmes are made and given more life and character; basically where some spices are added to them. I also provide producers with ideas of what they could bring more to the progammes to make them more interesting. I have a lot of work to do. I work with both RadyoSesel and FM. I also edit musical progammes.
I am someone who love sports. At one point I was approached by George François to help out with sports. This is where I started working with Saturday Sports. In 2018 I started presenting on RadyoSesel for Saturday Sports. I’ve been doing it until today. This is more or less a part-time job. I get lots of support from various people at RadyoSesel which keeps me going. In Saturday Sports I talk about local sports, interview different sporting personalities across different sports and the public in general. I speak with both men and women. However, I see women more open and livelier than men. This programme starts from 1.30pm to 6.30pm. If there are sporting events, at times we go live and we have interactions with journalists on the field. Even people from overseas participate. For example, those residing in Bahrain and Switzerland. People also like the choice of music on my programme.
This year it will be my 35th year working with SBC.
Seychelles Nation: It has been five years since you have been doing part time as a presenter, what are the qualities you think are necessary to be a good presenter?
Jimmy Elizabeth: Firstly, you must have the voice to attract the audience. You need to know how to present and keep people lively. You must talk in such a way that will paint the picture of something to let people know what is actually happening. You must also have discipline and be always calm. You may have people calling you complaining about things and you must understand them. It is very important that you know how to speak to them, like I have mentioned before.
You must also know the needs of the audience for them to appreciate what you are doing. There are things that are very important to the audience. We are here to provide information to the audience so you must conduct a lot of research. Lastly, you must be friendly with everyone and you must have self-discipline.
Moreover, you must be patient and be cool as there are people who can put you under lots of pressure. For example, during a Men’s Day interview someone started talking about something not relevant and I had to get the person back on the topic without being rude to him.
Seychelles Nation: Surely you have received reviews on the programme you have worked on or presented. How is your relationship with your audience?
Jimmy Elizabeth: After people have heard you on the radio, when they meet you in person they ask if that is really me. They even ask other people who that voice belongs to. At times people do not believe that I am the one who actually does certain programmes.
Every Saturday morning, I go to the Victoria Market to let people know what is happening. There I get them to talk. I get a lot of positive feedback from people. Working at SBC allows you to know a lot of people. Frankly, I have never been approached by anyone who has complained about me. But of course there are always areas to improve. For me, I feel that I connect well with people and this has allowed for this positive relationship so far. Some even call me and talk about things which has nothing to do with my work. Whenever they have some problems they call me and I am always happy to help. I never expected that when you become a radio presenter you would get so much response from people out there. You get to meet people you have never met before or dream you would meet one day. Basically, people know who you are. They share their views, of course. Generally, I get good feedback from people. When people appreciate your work it pushes and encourages you to do more, even better.
Seychelles Nation: Listening to your level of knowledge and experience, would you say that you are an asset here at RadyoSesel?
Jimmy Elizabeth: You know, I have worked a lot with the music aspect at SBC. Whenever someone asks about an old song, everyone says ‘go ask Jimmy the computer; he will know it’. I am the first person they will come to. If I do not know the song I would go and find it. At SBC, not many people have knowledge all of these old songs better than I do. That is what I will say.
Seychelles Nation: What have you enjoyed the most during your 35 years at SBC?
Jimmy Elizabeth: Well, I have appreciated the work ethos at SBC. On a personal level, I am more confident since I am now able to understand people better. I have also learnt a lot, especially from other people. We do not only give, but we receive a lot of information. So, you get ideas from other people. Information that you can share with others and your audience. What has encouraged me a lot is that people who do sports get the chance to come forth and get the visibility so that people know about them, their sports and what they are doing. As soon as something interests me I go and find out and I share. For example, on Saturday Sports, I give my all always.
Additionally, the staff here has been very supportive. If I do not know something I ask for help and I go and find out. As much as possible I make sure people get the right information.
At times the mood you leave home with changes as soon as you step in the studio. I have lots to do and work under pressure at times. But when it comes to sports, I am always ready to work. Because it changes my mood and I become more active. You learn a lot about life in general, the good and the bad.
More importantly, working at the radio allows you to build your confidence. I never think about what people are saying or thinking about when I’m working. I focus on the work I’m doing to ensure I deliver to my very best.
Seychelles Nation: How do you balance your daily life and work?
Jimmy Elizabeth: At times I do feel tired, like any other ordinary human being. But when you do something with love you forget about the fatigue. My work finishes at 4pm, but I never finish at 4pm. At times I go home at 9pm. I am single and not married. So, I do have some free time. Before I used to do sports as well. I also had lots of friends back then, but not now. I enjoy meeting them, but I also try to balance my time basically. You cannot work 24/7. Most of the time I have only Sundays off from work. Even on Saturdays after the market rounds for the radio programme I come here at the station. Frankly, I do not have any pressure. Life is good.
Seychelles Nation: Any advice for young people who would like to choose a career at the radio.
Jimmy Elizabeth: My advice is, before you want to do something, make sure that you have love for whatever it is. You need to know how it works. In everything we do there are advantages and disadvantages; so, you must be disciplined as well. The youths need to be more serious. They need more self-discipline and to have respect for the work and respect for other people in their surroundings. This is because in the radio field you work with a lot of people, especially when going on air. You cannot afford to make mistakes or let anything get to you.
Another important advice is to follow your dreams rather than your friends. Do and be what you want to be. Look at what you can do, not your friends. Try and develop your skills and always remember that things evolve and they need to change over time as well.
Young people should live well. When at work always put your full concentration in what you are doing. Always ask for help where necessary. Do not be afraid to do so. Always believe in yourself and your abilities. If you get stuck ask for help, people will help you. You also need to accept criticism positively. So, you must make people understand the reasons you decide to do something in the first place.
When I started working I earned only six hundred rupees. I gave four hundred to my mother and kept two hundred rupees. At that time things were cheap. After that things improved. It is always good to be grateful. Young people should go out there and look for the opportunities available.
I have been one of those people who have remained quiet, accepting others and always thinking positively. Always remember that what you do today will help you in the future. I have thought of quitting a few times, but after reflecting, I decided not to and today I am very happy with my achievements.
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