Radio royalty

HARPZ KAUR ASCENDS TO BBC BREAKFAST THRONE

by ASJAD NAZIR

RAPIDLY-rising radio star Harpz Kaur has become the jewel in the crown of the BBC Asian Network and regularly shines on the airwaves with her sparkling presenting style.

She currently hosts the coveted Breakfast slot and wakes up listeners with an energy-filled show loaded with hit songs. This is the latest chapter in an amazing journey for the young host that started with doing media studies at Leeds Trinity & All Saints before getting hands on experience with Fever FM for six years.

Harpz is looking forward to further radio adventures in the future. Eastern Eye turned the tables on Harpz Kaur to talk about her radio journey, music, inspirations and the most fun person she knows.

How do you look back on your action-packed radio journey?

If I’m honest, it’s been a long journey and a tough one to say the least. But only now have I realised how much I’ve achieved at the age of 27. Looking back now, I feel proud at how far I’ve come and I can finally say it’s paid off!

How did you feel about getting the coveted breakfast show on BBC Asian Network?

It’s surreal. It’s something not a lot of people get so fast or early on in their career. To know my voice is the first thing people hear on a morning every weekday to help them wake up is a sentence I never thought I’d hear myself say. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and to those who believed in me. It’s going to be an exciting chapter!

Did you feel any pressure taking over such a major radio show?

Being the biggest Asian Breakfast Show on a national platform says it all. There will always be pressure in whatever you do, but I believe in taking it all in and enjoying it fully. Focus is key. And if you focus on the fun, the pressure is second to none!

How much did hosting the weekend breakfast show help you?

A hell of a lot! In many ways. Waking up early, knowing what topics really get people talking in the morning and building up that energy.

Do you find it a challenge to wake up so early every morning?

I get asked this quite a lot! Waking up at 4:15am everyday is the easy bit, switching off at night is the difficult part. I’ve had insomnia since I was around 15, but I’m a trooper and have now found ways of dealing with it. (Laughs) Naps have now been introduced to my daily life! But on a real, it’s not as bad as you think it is. It depends what you were doing the night before obviously.

Does this mean you no longer have a social life?

Far from it! When I did weekends, that is when I had no social life. I missed out on everything; birthdays, parties, weddings, concerts, you name it. Getting the weekday slot was the best thing that ever happened to me. (Cheers) I have my life back!

What has been your most memorable radio encounter?

There have been so many. I’ve had the opportunity to meet some incredible people along the way. People I’ve grown up watching, listening to or looking up to. Names like singer Craig David, footballer-turned-pundit Lee Dixon, comedian Paul Chowdhry, Bollywood star Ajay Devgn and amazing Punjabi singers like Jaz Dhami. They’re all memorable!

Can you share a funny behind the scenes story?

(Laughs) There’s always funny moments off air. But I think the funniest moment for me was during Halloween time when I got my face painted and dressed up as a dead Asian bride. I walked around the office and people just stopped and stared thinking: ‘What the hell is going on and who is this?’ Nobody recognised it was me until I started speaking.

What do you eat for breakfast yourself?

Man, this is the toughest decision I face every morning, because it takes so long to figure out how hungry you are. The problem with weekday breakfast is you’re living in a different timezone compared to everyone else. So I will want to eat a full meal at the dodgiest times. Usually I start off with something like a croissant and green tea, maybe some yoghurt halfway into the show, and then some fruit to get me by. (Laughs) But at 10am when the show finishes, I’m ready for a full-on munch.

What kind of music do you most like listening to?

I’m such a music mad head. I listen to a lot of different genres. Usually r’n’b, grime or bhangra. (Laughs) Right now my playlist is all over the place, from Chris Brown to Young Bxne to Sharry Maan.

Which songs or artist do you secretly like and don’t want anyone to find out about?

Now that would be telling!

If you could ask one question to any celebrity, who would it be and what would you ask them?

I think I’d like to ask Chris Brown what the actual question was in his track Questions

If you could learn something new, what would it be?

(Laughs) To cook!

What are your big passions away from work?

Dance! I’ve been dancing since I was three years old. I have really old home videos lying around somewhere of me dancing around in my mum’s room, all dressed up dancing in the mirror! Having practiced routines for hours on end – I used to force my sister into learning off me too.

What is the secret behind your big beautiful hair?

(Laughs) I have no secrets! I was born with a natural volume fro’. It’s so hard to bloody maintain, which is why I had to give it the chop a year ago. But if you want big volume, I suggest dry shampoo. It’s sick! And a bit of backcombing should do the job.

What inspires you?

Good people with good vibes. I feel anyone with strong, powerful and positive energy inspires me. It’s hard to be a constant positive person in this cruel world we live in, but when you see how certain people maintain that, it encourages you to do the same. But I also feel extremely inspired by women who support other women. You will not see a lot of that in this day and age for some bizarre reason, but when I do see it, it’s the best feeling.

You are a lot of fun, but who is the most fun person you know in real life?

My pops. (Laughs) I don’t think he realises himself how fun he is, for the age that he’s at. He’s honestly so much fun to be around, full of spirit, ridiculous dad jokes, and has a tendency of changing himself to the age of the person he’s in conversation with. I clearly take after him! Good genes.

What is the best advice you ever got?

That’s a hard one. My dad always told me never to burn bridges, because they’ll need you someday. And Nick Grimshaw from Radio 1 Breakfast told me to have a banana every morning before the show. So if you’re an early bird like me, try it. It’s good for your brain!

What advice would you give youngsters wanting to follow in your footsteps?

I know a lot of people get sick of hearing this, because when I was younger, I did too. But honestly, do not give up or give in. I have spent many years of my life feeling sorry for myself and it gets you nowhere. It does nothing but waste time. I’d have done things a lot sooner if I didn’t sit in my room all the time thinking the world was going to end.

Why should we tune into your BBC Asian Network show?

Because it’s the best show to wake up to on a morning. We play great music, have lots of banter and amazing guests. It’s honestly just a feel good show. We just have a laugh and play lots of weird and wonderful games and quizzes to get the listeners involved. I promise you, there will be something in the four hours for everyone. Come join us every weekday from 6.30am.

Why do you love radio?

It’s not just my first love, my passion or my job. It’s my escape. Radio is like therapy for me. We all go through things in life, we all have problems, but we are constantly finding ways to make life easier and destress. For me, my job is the solution. During those four hours on air, I am completely zoned out of everyday life situations. I’m in my zone, having a good time, enjoying the music and loving life! And it’s also the best feeling ever when you realise you’ve made someone listening with a very miserable morning face smile. If I can do that everyday for at least 10 people, I’ll be happy.