Meet Gracey Mae, one of the many Gatekeepers of the Afrobeats movement.
While working 24/7 to get musicians music heard by the masses Gracey Mae is a well recognised brand within her self, we were lucky enough to catch up with Gracey to find out how she started in radio.
SK: When did you know you wanted to get into radio?
GM: I’ve always been a chatter box. If you look at my reports from primary school, I was the one distracting others by being talkative. I don’t think I had a defining moment when it hit me that radio was for me; I’ve just always loved being in entertainment and now I’ve got the privilege of using my voice to get other people heard.
SK: Who are some of the people who’ve influenced you?
GM: The list is endless but my mum is the most influential person to me. She’s the hardest worker I know, she moves with dignity and integrity, and she’s a boss b! Professionally, I have to honour the strong Black British female journalists that have come before me or walk along side me: Trisha, June Sarpong, Diane Louise Jordan, Angellica Bell, Afua Hirsch, Claudia-Liza Armah, Lukwesa Burak, Gillian Joseph, Afua Adom, Pandora Christie, plus, AJ Odudu, Amplify Dot, Yinka Bokinni, Shayna Marie, Bisi Akins, Henrie, Remi Burgz, Cindy Temi, Miss P, Ola Aweo, Esi, Linda E, Cynthia MVP and the list goes on.
SK: What’s your prediction for Afrobeats scene on radio in the near future?
GM: I believe our definition of what Afrobeats is will change and it will no longer be the umbrella term for all music from the motherland. Afro house will feature in house sets. Rappers like Nasty C will be played along side the “mainstream” stars like Stormzy, and the southern African vibe will be the new sound of popular African music.
SK: Tell us about your involvement with The Afronation Show?
GM: For our weekly broadcast I do a significant amount of work from booking guests, to running the social media pages, to editIng audio/footage/images, to radio production. Week on week, I analyse the broadcast and identify areas of improvement. I created the current branding on top of all the stuff you hear on the mic. I research for each guest and engage in highly stimulating conversations.

SK: Any advice for those just starting out in broadcasting?
GM: Your network is your net worth. Actively engage with people and form a genuine community. Who you know always trumps what you know.
SK: Can radio prepare you for any other professions?
GM: Of course, in radio you’re ultimately a sales person making music attractive to a new audience. The amount of talking you do could also lend itself to consultancy. Most importantly, by being in the system, you can easily provide PR services based on your network, and A&R services as you’ll be used to spotting a hit record
SK: How have you managed to succeed in so many areas of media?
GM: God’s grace and mercy, consistent content creation and selfless promotion.
SK: How do you select songs for your playlists?
GM: My only criteria to be featured on the NEW MUSIC FRIDAY: AFROBEATS EDITION playlist, is the song must have been released in the last 7 days. If I like, I’ll add it.
SK: What are three things you look for when you see an artist play live?
GM: Live arrangements of the song, un-auto tunes vocals and stage production
SK: Give us an insider tip on what artists are about to break?
GM: Look out for Victony (Nigeria), Camidoh (Ghana) and D’wante Navire (UK). These men are about to go far!
SK: What song do you currently have stuck in your head these days?
GM: Sound – Fireboy DML
SK: What is the best gift you have received from an artists?
GM: It’s not even material for me, though I love presents, it’s usually when they say thank you for believing in me. Like I’m literally a gateway – I’m making dreams come true!
SK: When can we catch you live, please share all your platforms!
GM: Please join me the @afronationshow every Wednesday from 9-11pm on @thisiswestside, I release weekly @frobeatspodcast on a Sunday via YouTube and all Podcast streaming Platforms, plus I host Unsigned 3 days a week on Instagram Live via @_graceymae; this is a talent show where we review emerging afrobeats artist in the hunt for a star!