Starting with nothing but a laptop and an email address for one of her (and South Africa’s) favourite TV and Radio Personalities, Danilo Acquisto, she sought out to job shadow the young talent when she was in her grade 11 year. After more than seven months of persistence (even going as far as approaching him in person at an event), she was able to turn her dreams into reality.

The then 16-year-old was lucky enough to not only job shadow him for two days, but the Joburg-born presenter also offered her a position she could not refuse: a chance to produce his radio show and be his personal assistant.

Despite working throughout her matric year, even during her final exams, she matriculated with flying colours. Having to choose between going to study straight after high school or going to work full-time was a decision that had to be made a lot sooner than expected; however her fate was sealed when she was offered a job with Good Hope FM to produce “The Hit 30” with longtime mentor Danilo Acquisto. Months later, Daniels was asked to produce the Good Hope FM Drive Show with the impeccable and fiery Nigel Pierce, which she accepted with open arms.

 With her experience in the entertainment industry so far, Delucia has mastered the art of connecting with people from all walks of life through her positive, down-to-earth and unassuming personality.

Having done ballet, musical theatre, singing and drama for more than 10 years, not a day goes by where this busy-bee is not doing something that fuels her passion. Her extensive knowledge of world history, international relations and music drives her to not only be the best version of herself, but also change to the way the industry is viewed both nationally and internationally.

Always having her kryptonite, peppermint flavoured bubblegum, close by her side, you can find her with a smile on her face and ready for anything that comes her way.

 

• What do you love most about radio?

Everyday is radio is unique. The unpredictability and the freedom of expression in the form of audio is something that one never gets tired of. Radio always ignites my creative side and allows me to create something out of nothing, which not many people have the pleasure of doing.

• How long have you been on radio?

I have been on radio for six years.

• What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

As a self-proclaimed chef and baker, being in the kitchen is my therapy. Whenever I have the chance, I will be cooking up a storm and making some delicious meals and treats. Similarly, reading is vice, and once I start a book, there’s nothing stopping me from finishing it within hours.

Though I do have a fear of free falling, I am an adrenline junky and love going on motorbike rides, exercising, exploring nature in all of its glory and using my singing, acting and dancing skills to put on a show – even if it’s just for my close friends and family.

Other than that, you will find me cuddled on the couch with my dogs, enjoying good cup of coffee (or a smoothie depending on the day), listening to an array of music or watching nail-biting documentaries; and of course, watching Formula 1 at the weekend.

• What knowledge do you love imparting onto your listeners?

Radio is an incredibly power art form, which allows presenters to connect with people in real time. There is nothing more important than access to information, so the fact that we are able to do that remind us of how influential we are in the media space. Moreover, entertaining people, especially during tough times, is essential. This is one of the things I love most about radio because you can provide listeners with an array of information while simultanously making them laugh and reminisce on things that mean a lot to them.

• What daily motivation do you believe contributes to your success over the airwaves daily?

Every day I get the opportunity to reimagine the world around me and allow creativity to paint the blank canvas of the radio airwaves. Knowing that you are able to help someone or make them laugh even from a distance is valuable. Being in radio requires a great deal of responsibility and accountability, so it encourages you to nurture your talents in order to make someone turn their frown upside down and impart accurate information (and sometimes lifechanging advice) onto those who need it most. This inspires me to create content that will be able to stay with listeners forever, and hopefully allow what was spoken about to become part of someone’s dinner time conversation.

• What has been your favourite moment on Radio?

There have been a few campaigns that I thoroughly enjoyed working on including the Handy Andy competition and the Lil-Lets campaign. Both of these campaigns involved listeners partaking in various challenges and providing them with incentatives too. The Lil-Lets campaign, in particular, destigmatised menstruation and reproductive issues, which is important to talk about openly amongst men and women. It also highlighted how many people not only struggle with various issues, but also provided them with answers that they desperately needed in order to seek medical attention.