"This is an opportunity I am determined to take'' - West Bromwich DJ lands dream gig on national radio
A West Bromwich DJ and radio presenter has won a golden opportunity to broadcast on a national radio station.
Sami Hussy will take his place on Radio One Dance playlist over Christmas sharing the studios with the likes of big names like Greg James, Charley Marlowe and George Clarke.
The 28-year-old is part of the Radio One takeover which hands key shows to new talent from across the UK. Created in 2019, the takeover has introduced more than 170 emerging presenters to the network, with several now part of the regular schedule.
Sami juggles DJing in clubs, broadcasting on Select Radio and being the father to a young daughter who is just two and a half years old - he had to submit a demo and beat stiff competition from hundreds of entrants to get his prized spots.
He started broadcasting on Kic Radio in 2014 and has worked his way up to the point where he will be heard potentially by millions of listeners
Sami also DJs in top Birmingham venues such as The Alchemist after cutting his teeth at former Wolverhampton venue Oceana where he hosted the under 18s night.
He said: "It's been hard work - I'm just a regular guy who used to go to George Salter Academy in West Bromwich and left not knowing what I was going to do but knowing what I wanted to do and I have been very focussed
"The hours are anti social especially in the clubs and my priority has to be looking after my little girl as well so it is a juggling act but hopefully I am building a future for us all."
The festive season has been a whirlwind of childcare, club appearances and travelling to London to prepare his five three hour shows which will be broadcast from Friday to Tuesday,
Sami said he is looking forward to the 'massive opportunity.' If he needs inspiration, former Black Country Radio and Scratch Radio presenter Laura Redfern from Stourbridge got her big break when winning another competition and now hosts early breakfast and weekend shows on Radio One.
Recent weeks have been a whirlwind of getting content together for his shows and visits to London where he has worked with senior producers at BBC Radio One to prepare them.
He said: "I admit I was a bit star struck when I first walked into the BBC, it is so big and hosts Radio 1 and 2 and others in just one large area.
"I saw the likes of Vernon Kay walking around and making a coffee like anyone would and of course the regular Radio One presenters, but they are there to work
"The coaching process and the ideas for the show was intense but fantastic with Kate and Liv who have worked on a lot of top shows including the breakfast show - they were really patient and helpful and everyone was focussed on producing the best radio shows they possibly can.
"This is a big opportunity for me - I don't see it as my only one but it is certainly one I am determined to take and I am determined to show that young people from the working class West Midlands can get the breaks if they work hard enough and put the work in,
" I would like to think this isn't just a guest appearance but the start of something whether that be with the BBC or elsewhere but I am confident and have worked hard for the opportunity and if nothing else the whole experience has been fantastic."
You can hear DJ Sami on Radio One Dance over Christmas between 12 and 3 on Friday December 26, Saturday December 27, Monday December 29 and Tuesday December 30. He is also doing a show on Sunday December 28 between 9am and noon, It is available on DAB Radio and online
