Sami Hussain

Media Production (Radio) BA (Hons)

Driven by ambition and resilience, Sami Hussain, known as DJ Hussy, overcame personal and financial challenges to become the first in his family to attend university. At BCU, he honed his skills through hands-on projects and radio experience, laying the foundation for a thriving career in music and broadcasting. Now, Sami is a Radio Producer for BBC Asian Network, a DJ for high-profile clients, and a presenter on Select Radio.  

“I always wanted to go to university; it was my ambition to be the first in my family to do so. When I visited BCU and saw the facilities, Scratch Radio, and the chance to get hands-on experience, I knew it was the right choice. BCU stood out as the place where I could turn ambition into reality.

My experience of studying at BCU was rewarding, even though I wish I’d had more time to explore other creative departments, spend longer in the radio studios, and make the most of the library. Because I needed to be financially independent, I was DJing and working in retail alongside my studies. Despite that, the most crucial part of my course was the Final Major Project, creating a radio station. The skills I learned during that project are ones I use every day in my career, and I must thank my lecturers for their support. They were incredibly understanding during my dissertation, accommodating when life at home was challenging, but also pushing me to succeed.

During my time at BCU, I also gained work experience at several West Midlands radio stations, including Atlas Radio, Free Radio and BCU’s Switch Radio. These opportunities gave me a taste of the industry and helped me build connections that would prove invaluable later.

Since graduating, I’ve built a multi-faceted career. I work as a Radio Producer for BBC Asian Network, using the role as a stepping stone toward my ultimate goal of becoming a presenter. Under my DJ alias, Hussy, I perform for high-end clients such as The Savoy, Dorchester, Garnier, and Fenty Beauty, as well as venues across Birmingham like Saint Paul’s Market, Orelle, and The Alchemist. I also DJ for cultural events, including Bangla Month at The Rep, which I see as an important part of my work beyond club gigs.

Recently, I achieved one of my proudest milestones: presenting on BBC Radio 1 Dance from 26–30 December. I also host a dance show on Select Radio in London. Balancing these roles with family life as a dad to a two-year-old hasn’t been easy, but I describe my journey as 'short-term pain, long-term gain.'

My course at BCU relates hugely to what I do now. As a radio specialist, I knew exactly what I wanted to achieve, and the experience I gained as a presenter, producer, and specialist manager for the radio station we created during my Final Major Project helps me every single day. From music programming to managing creatives, the skills I learned in my final year are the foundation of my career.

Beyond the technical knowledge, my time at BCU taught me resilience. It prepared me not to give up, to build a strong foundation for long-term success, and to keep pushing even when things get tough. The passion I had at BCU hasn’t faded; it’s only grown stronger.

For anyone considering studying my course at BCU, my advice is simple: make the most of the facilities because everything costs when you leave! Start a podcast, use the photography studio, and get cracking. Every opportunity you take now will pay off later.

A typical week for me is a mix of producing radio shows, DJing, creating content, and making time for family. Mondays and Tuesdays are usually admin days, which I spend at home with my little one, unless I have important meetings. From Wednesday onwards, things get busy. On Wednesdays, I’m at BBC Asian Network from 11 am to 7 pm, producing shows, planning content, and using any spare time to send demos, connect with industry professionals, and post on social media. I also record my show for Select Radio, which goes out on Fridays. Thursdays are similar, with producing duties from 2 pm to 9 pm, and Fridays are a mix of working from home and DJing in the evening. Saturdays and Sundays start early with producing the Breakfast Show from 7 am to 11 am, followed by DJ gigs that often run late into the night. Sundays also give me time to spend with my little one, plan for the week ahead, and practise presenting. Somewhere in between all of that, I make sure to hit the gym three times a week!

One of my biggest challenges has been learning not to compare myself to others. Social media makes it easy to feel like you’re behind, and I struggled with that for a long time. Counselling and self-reflection helped me overcome those feelings, and achieving BBC Radio 1 gave me a huge boost in confidence. Another challenge was staying motivated and not giving up. There were times when it would have been easier to stop, but I kept going because I believe that if I don’t put in the hard work, nobody else will do it for me.

Consistency has also been key. I used to think it meant producing the same amount of work every week, but I’ve learned that even practising in my bedroom, even when I didn’t feel like it, paid off over time. Finally, side hustles have played a big role in my journey. From DJing to working multiple retail jobs, I did what I had to do to fund my ambitions. It wasn’t easy, but those sacrifices allowed me to take risks, travel for demos, and keep moving forward.

My proudest achievement since graduating has been securing a presenting slot on BBC Radio 1 Dance. It was the perfect opportunity and timing, and I managed to achieve it while balancing a full-time job, being a dad, and navigating everything life throws at me. I applied for the role last year and didn’t get it, which was tough, but I refused to give up. Instead, I went back to the drawing board, focused on improving, and approached the industry professionally and quietly. I worked hard behind the scenes, and when the chance came again, I was ready. Putting in that effort and seeing it pay off was an incredible feeling.

Looking ahead, my long-term goal is to become a consistent presenter on BBC Radio 1 Dance. I know it will take hard work, networking, and staying consistent, but if I apply everything I’ve learned at BCU and since graduating, I believe I can make it happen. Being an Asian male in the commercial dance music scene is rare, and that motivates me even more to break barriers and create space for others.

To fellow BCU graduates, I’d say: do not give up. Have a mission and believe in it. Do everything with meaning, and don’t be afraid to do things differently from your peers, that’s what makes you unique and authentic. In a world where AI can replace many voices, authenticity is more important than ever to truly connect with people.

To me, ‘I AM BCU’ means that regardless of my social or economic background, nationality, or beliefs, BCU gave me the same education, opportunities, and support as everyone else. It taught me that if I apply myself and work hard, I can achieve the success I want.”