Meet Danielle “Cocobellah” Robertson of Raleigh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle “Cocobellah” Robertson

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
When I was child, myself and my younger brother Cedric would record each other on cassette tapes playing our favorite songs and talking to our “audience”. Never in a million years would my 9 year old self think that being on the radio was actually an attainable goal.

I worked retail most of my life, and while working at clothing store, I met a sales rep from 92.1 Choice FM named Rico. He would stop by the store and chit chat about hip hop and trending topics. One day Rico asked me had I ever thought about doing radio, and the answer was ABSOLUTELY. He said I have the personality for it and I had a nice social media following due to my podcast on Instagram Candid Conversation with Co. But at the time, my work schedule didn’t align with the hours at the station, so I had to put my dream on pause.

One day I got the call that the owner of 92.1 Choice FM wanted to meet with me and I got an interview at the station with Rico and the owner and we all talked and laughed for hours. But it wasn’t my time yet.

But everything happens for a reason. I was transitioning jobs and my hotel job gave me the availability that aligned with the station. Although it took 2 years, I finally landed my dream job. With no experience, I delved in head first with the help of my fellow radio personality DOC. And the rest is history.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The transition from IG podcaster to Radio host was not easy. Although I do a lot of live streams and create reels on social media, it was quite nerve racking being live on the radio. Maybe it was knowing that thousands of listeners can hear when you mess up.

But with practice comes perfection. I struggled in the beginning trying to find my rhythm and my “radio voice”. But I am 5 months in and I am still learning the ins-and outs of the radio world but I love each and every minute of it.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a radio personality on 92.1 choice FM but I also spread awareness of rising artists through my podcast on IG live, Candid Conversations with Co and I curate a playlist on Apple Music highlighting new and local artist to watch out for.

I am also an artist myself, I write, make beats, and sing a little bit. Being an artist in the beginning stages of my craft is what motivated me to curate a playlist that has and podcast surrounding local talent.

My drive and motivation comes from wanting to show my children that it is never too late to live your dreams.

How do you think about luck?
I was transitioning jobs and thought that the opportunity to work at the radio station was over and I was devastated, I didn’t know what I was going to do, but my mother says everything happens for a reason. I was supposed to be exactly where I am because it was already written.

In addition to prayers and a dream, hard work and chance has gotten me to this point in my life. 92.1 Choice FM took a chance on me. And I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to share my gifts with the world.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Cocobellah