From Fiji Times Online (5 April 2009)

In search of raw talent

Host: Allan Manuel Stevens

Show: Mid Dawn

Station: 2DayFm - Today's hit music station

Time: 12am to 5am

Noa'tau lad Allan Stevens was born and bred in Suva and moved around a lot because of his father's career as a prison warden.

Third in a family of four, Allan wanted to be a soldier when he was younger.

"I wanted to go out and see the world. I was attracted to the idea of serving my country and seeing the world, but mostly because my family has a history of military service going back to the Second World War. So it's kind of like the family business," said the 'full-blooded' Rotuman.

What's his show about?

"It's all about the music but especially about local music. I believe that Fiji has a lot of raw talent to offer with the recent televised talent shows as proof of the immense amount of musical talent in Fiji," he said.

"So through my shows I try to promote local artists and am on the lookout for the next big thing since George Fiji Veikoso."

He said being a radio personality is by far the best profession in the world.

"If you have what it takes and if you're very creative then do not squander your talents but develop them.

"Use the God given gifts that have been given to you and expand your horizons. Radio is the best place to realise your creative attributes, don't have the "madua" mentality that is prevalent among us young people but go out and "carpe diem" seize the day," he said.

Personal effects:

Star sign: Scorpio.

Music: Anything that isn't noise I'll listen to.

Favourite music artist: When you work at a radio station, it's hard to have a favourite music artist.

Favourite Super 14 team: Crusaders.

If I had one wish, I'd wish for: Another 50 wishes.

Pet: I love cats. I am a cat person. I have five kittens at home.

Something you're never without: My family, my Bible, my phone.

Two things you'd take to a desert island: A knife and water.