Following the return of the popular initiative, BBC Asian Network has been searching for the best up-and-coming presenter and radio talent across the UK. Each of the 12 successful applicants will have the opportunity to host a full month of Asian Network Represents, sharing their unique voices and music taste with listeners across the UK.
Between April 2026 and March 2027, the final 12 selected presenters will host four Asian Network Represents shows each, broadcasting every Tuesday, 10pm-11pm. For several of the presenters, hosting on BBC Asian Network will be their first ever role in radio.
This year’s cohort features a broad range of talent from across the UK, including content creators, a dancer, an actor, and a banker. Among the new presenters are Bablu, an award-winning presenter, speaker and content creator from Cardiff who is passionate about music, classic Bollywood films and championing emerging British and Welsh talent, and Anoushka Chadha, an actor and content creator who starred in the Amazon Prime film ‘Picture This’ and has a passion for TV and film as well as music and comedy.
Kicking off Asian Network Represents in April will be Birmingham based presenter and content creator Amkbhamra. Amkbhamra has interviewed many major music artists, hosted Shubh’s UK Tour debut and was the opening voice for Karan Aujla’s first UK tour. Presenting Asian Network Represents will be her first time stepping behind a microphone as a radio presenter.
All 12 presenters (in the order of their shows)
- Amkbhamra from Birmingham (April)
- Shumena Akther from London (May)
- Bablu from Cardiff (June)
- Kunza from London (July)
- Zaara Azira from Salford (August)
- Beant from London (September)
- Shilpa Sajan from Birmingham (October)
- Anyeka Jamal from Luton (November)
- Anoushka Chadha from London (December)
- Jas Aulakh from London (January 2027)
- Vignesh from Birmingham (February 2027)
- Pax Dharma from London (March 2027)
Bablu says: “I’m super excited to be joining BBC Asian Network Represents, I listened to the station growing up in Cardiff, so being part of it now feels like a real full circle moment. It means a lot to be part of this space that celebrates culture, creativity and new voices. I’m excited to bring my perspective and shine a light on artists and stories that deserve to be heard. I also have to shout out my dad, who was basically ‘Mr Bollywood’ in our house and really sparked my love for music and connection to culture more widely. I can’t wait!”
Anoushka Chadha says: “Honestly, I’m buzzing to be part of the Asian Network family! It’s such a special space for our culture. My show is going to be a total energy boost, full of fun, laughs, and all the tunes that lift you up and keep you going throughout your day. Can’t wait!”
Amkbhamra says: “Joining BBC Asian Network Represents is a dream come true. Working with the BBC has long been one of my ambitions, and it’s a real honour to now be part of the BBC family. With a deep love for music, strong pride in my culture, and a passion for conversation, I’m excited to begin this new chapter.”
Ahmed Hussain, Head of BBC Asian Network, says: “I am genuinely excited to welcome this new group of presenters to Asian Network Represents. We were really blown away by the talent, creativity and hunger from people who want to be part of what we do, and this year’s cohort really stood out. They each bring something different, something real, and something that reflects the audiences we serve across the UK.
“Represents is all about giving people their first step into radio and creating a space where new voices can shine. Asian Network has always been proud to champion new talent, and it feels great to be giving another 12 presenters the platform they deserve.”
Asian Network launched the search for new presenters in January, searching for talent who want to get into radio broadcasting and have a passion for British Asian culture and the latest music and entertainment. The successful applicants will have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Represents alumni including Neha Navekar, who now presents for BBC Sport as an Entertainment and Sports presenter, and Virdi, a music producer and DJ who went on to star on The Apprentice.
From April, Asian Network Represents will broadcast every Tuesday, 10pm-11pm and will be available on Asian Network and BBC Sounds.
GD2
Follow for more
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.bbc.com ’
