If you’re one of those who loves tuning in to Hitz on your drive home from work after 8pm, you’ll definitely recognize Khalif Sultan (and his voice) for ending our day with his soothing voice on the radio. Radio announcer aside, the man himself have various interests which includes cinematography and film production, just to name a few. Today’s Featured Interview with Khalif brings us the story that started his journey as a radio announcer, as well as his awe-inspiring views that he has towards life. Enjoy!
1. Hi Khalif, please tell us more about yourself!
Born and raised in Petaling Jaya. Enjoy sports (football, futsal, bowling) and adventuring outdoors. Love travelling, seeing the world, exploring different cultures.
2. When and how did you actually start your career as a radio announcer?
It started off as a competition on Hitz and whoever won, got to be the Video Content Producer for the Night Show with Ryan. 2 months in they were like, “Hey, Ryan needs to cover Morning Crew so we need you to go on air for 2 weeks”, and that’s exactly what I did with only 2 days of actual radio training. Thankfully I survived and now I’m a fulltime announcer for Hitz Tonight (the name of my show).
3. With your hectic work schedule as a Hitz DJ, how do you make time for your cinematographer career too?
My showtimes are from 8pm-12am almost everyday. I try to slot in my cinematography career wherever I can so I’m constantly on my feet, never stagnant.
4. Can you share a tip or two to those who are interested to become a DJ someday?
Take more chances, go out of your comfort zone. You have to be able to put yourself out there without feeling you’re being judged, which you are. But the more you strive for what you want, the more you can grow as an individual. Radio is about delivering a 30 second message to 2 million people that you can’t see. If that doesn’t scream uncomfortable, I don’t know what is.
5. What are the challenges you have experienced along your career, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge that I have faced is not dealing with clients or looking for jobs. The biggest challenge is me. How do I challenge my work to be different? How do I challenge myself to be as uncomfortable as possible? They say your biggest enemy is your own mind and I feel that’s very true to me.
6. Perhaps you can share with the readers about what are the key points to take note in order to ace in the broadcasting industry?
I don’t have a mass comm or communications background. But from what I’ve picked up along the way is that you cannot be fearful of judgment cause that’s what’s going to make you a better person or make your work better. Be open to judgment then it’s up to you to interpret it as good or bad, either keep it or throw it away.
7. While strolling through your Instagram feed, we noticed that you’re into portraiture photography, is there any specific reason behind it?
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I wouldn’t say I do portraits exclusively. I like to photograph the life around me which includes portraits. I never pose my models and I never force a situation. I try to capture what’s around me as it is.
8. Where did you seek inspiration for your photos and videos?
Inspiration comes from observing everything that goes on around me. I also watch movies from Wes Anderson, Spike Jonze, Garth Davis. And just scrolling through other people’s Instagram feeds.
9. If you are not a DJ, what will you choose to do instead, and why?
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I would end up pursuing my cinematography career full time.
10. What are your life mottos?
Seek discomfort and dominate humbly.
Follow Khalif on his Instagram for more deets!
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