A maestro of melodies and a curator of captivating conversations, So’nya is your guide through the symphony of stories, delivering a harmonious blend of music and meaningful dialogue. Tune in and let her lead you on a journey where every word orchestrates connection.
Good evening, So’nya Jones. Can you share with our readers the inspiration for your career in entertainment?
Hello. The entertainment industry was never on my radar. I was invited for a radio interview to discuss my nonprofit feeding the less fortunate in Philadelphia and hosting events in Wilmington, Delaware, back in 2016. Shortly after the show, I was asked to become a co-host and vowed to make it as big as those other big-name radio stations. Shout out to Eric Thompson, who built me my own melanated-owned station, and Tracy Alston, who helped me develop skills to achieve my greatness.
In your opinion, what role does radio play in today’s digital age, and how do you keep it relevant?
As a radio personality, I believe my job is to be transparent. I am willing to share my life with strangers. I touch on topics many run from, like my struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts after the murder of my eldest son. We dig deep into the heart of racism and why it hurts those who spew it. I try to find solutions to stop us from killing the collective. How does an ununified society become unified?
Could you describe the most memorable moment you’ve had on air throughout your career?
I had the pleasure of interviewing Mathew Knowles, Beyonce’s father, and trying to stay away from asking about her career while staying focused on his books, struggles, and life journey. It was one of the best. He was pleasant to speak with, and it was one I would never forget. There was a phone interview with the gorgeous and talented Dionne Warwick. She just floored me because she sounded just like she looked.
Listeners often connect with radio personalities on a personal level. How do you create that bond with your audience?
I started off on Facebook every day trying to leave them with a word of something positive to rest their head on. Most got to see my growth from marches and protests and social media, but I have never allowed an ego to grow in my spirit, nor have I forgotten who was there when I was down. The same way that I am now is how I have asked God to maintain me, grounded in him, and dedicated to growing daily in a productive and positive way.
What challenges have you faced as a radio personality, and how did you overcome them?
As far as challenges go, my biggest, as I mentioned earlier, was the murder of my son and trying to face life after that. The day my son was murdered, I had an interview all set up with former NBA Michael Jordan’s sister, Deloris E. Jordan, and it felt like I fumbled the ball because I just felt so lost and confused. But it was the prayers from my supporters that got me through, and those same words of encouragement regurgitated back upon me.
Your show covers a wide range of topics. How do you decide on the content and themes for each episode?
I would have my shows booked a month in advance. Since I only streamed once a week, I was constantly networking; attending events to gather guests and to put my name on their minds, so when they had an event, book signing, or record, and they wanted to be released on the airwaves. I would have cooking shows, open forums about corruption within our elected officials, police cover-ups, and fashion shows. I was my own marketeer, publicist, and go-getter. My mission was to go to the mountain until the mountain came to me.
Radio has a rich history of influential personalities. Who are some of your role models in the industry?
Wow, there are several. I love DL Hughley. I am a comedy promoter and a radio host, and he is a comedian and a radio host. I admire how he keeps it real and does not close his mind and views it to just the wrongs of what our Albion Europeans are doing to us, but he brings awareness to all of society when they and even when we conduct ourselves in a bag light. The same with Dave Chappelle and Roland Martin. They are the ones who keep me on my toes by teaching me how to stay professional and accurate. Do I miss the mark sometimes? Yes, but I learn from those mistakes, admit to them, and try next time to never repeat them.
Could you share some insights into the preparation process for your radio broadcasts?
With preparation, this is simple. Research, Research, and More Research on the guest you are intending to interview. Go further and find out about their favorite food, and childhood pet names. Little things that would make your time with them enjoyable. To know the one in front of them brought up their favorite stuffed doll they lost as a child, or how their mother would sneak them an extra cookie, goes a long way. This makes their presence more memorable; it also takes the shift from an interviewer to the friend zone. It makes for a much more personal relationship than a professional.
How do you see the future of radio evolving, especially with the rise of podcasts and streaming services?
Where I want Hott 100 Talk Radio to go is where I am taking it right at this moment. There are a couple of moves I am pursuing that I am unable to discuss at the moment, but my vision stems outside of these walls of the United States. I have been blessed to become the publicist for the R&B singing group Surface and I will be featured in a true story, “Nerd”, where I get to interview a racist. I am also writing a movie script, Mother’s Day, which is also a true story based on my son’s death.
What advice would you give to aspiring radio personalities looking to make their mark in the industry?
What advice would I give to aspiring radio personalities looking to make their mark in the industry? Never give up on you. Society is already expecting you to fail. Why would you want to cosign on the same line? Stay focused, because, when you stay focused, everything that God has for you will come to you.
Be’n Original
