Andrei Niculae: From a childhood dream to the voice of Radio Nostalgia

An interview with Andrei Niculae about his journey in radio, the challenges that shaped his career and his passion for entertainment, from early dreams to Radio Nostalgia.

Andrei Niculae is one of the most recognizable DJs and vibe creators in Romania, known for his authentic energy and for the way he transforms music into a memorable collective experience. His voice and musical selections are part of the Radio Nostalgia universe, where he brings back to life hits that have defined generations.

C&B: How did your passion for radio begin and what memories do you have from the first moments you entered a studio?

Andrei Niculae: My passion for radio started at the age of 7, when I watched “Good Morning, Vietnam”, a film in which Robin Williams plays a radio DJ during the Vietnam War, and it made me say that this is what I want to do when I grow up. Years passed and I kept dreaming, but also taking small steps. I first wrote for a newspaper, and later I managed to audition for a radio station.

C&B: What has been the most difficult moment in your journey so far and how did you overcome it?

Andrei Niculae: I think the most difficult moment was when, after 9 years in radio, I had to leave my home and build a radio station from scratch together with Monica Munteanu and Costin Gache. I never even dreamed that I would have my own radio station alongside my colleagues.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?

Andrei Niculae: I was lucky to learn from the best and to have the courage to try new things, even if sometimes they didn’t work out. Curiosity and the question “what if?” have always guided me. I think it’s essential to try things, otherwise you’ll never know whether they work or not.

C&B: How would you describe your professional journey from your first contact with radio to becoming a host appreciated by thousands of listeners?

Andrei Niculae: A roller coaster that I got on together with my audience and never wanted to get off. Some of the people who listen to me have become part of my life. I live a beautiful dream every day and I always wake up with a smile on my face. There has also been a lot of work and a constant desire to improve myself. I am still working on myself and I won’t stop.

C&B: If we met your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?

Andrei Niculae: I think they would say I’m crazy, passionate, and that I probably have ADHD. At least that’s what I think. I’ve always tried to surround myself with great people.

C&B: What is the most important decision you’ve made that changed your trajectory?

Andrei Niculae: The fact that I almost suddenly laid the foundation of Nostalgia Radio in Romania. Things were going well where I had grown, but this kind of opportunity comes once in a lifetime in my opinion, and it shouldn’t be missed.

C&B: What do you feel when listeners recognize your voice or write to you about your shows?

Andrei Niculae: Many times I don’t know how to react to compliments because in my mind I’m still the same boy from the Militari neighborhood who dreamed of being on the radio. But I have to admit that when someone compliments me, my heart fills with joy, it’s hard to describe. I believe my job is to somehow make the day better for the people who choose to listen to me, and when someone tells me that, it’s the greatest reward for me.

C&B: You said you wanted to try acting, television or even becoming a magician. How do you see expanding your career beyond radio?

Andrei Niculae: I tried many things out of curiosity when I was younger. But I have some extensions that, combined, present me more as an entertainer. I play music, host events, I have various online campaigns with brands I once only dreamed of, and I am a radio person. Someone once told me that I am, in fact, an entertainer in this life.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now and what moments of the day bring you the greatest satisfaction?

Andrei Niculae: Now I spend more time than ever at the radio because we are at the beginning and we have big plans, but I also try to attend various events, document almost everything I do online, and on weekends I play music. I love the chaos in my life and it would be very hard without it.

C&B: What did it mean for you to test the limits of your relationship in the context of an intense competition like Power Couple?

Andrei Niculae: Power Couple was an extraordinary experience for us that brought us even closer together, and for that I thank Emilia Vlad and Alex Fotea for choosing us. Besides testing our limits, I was happy to see my girlfriend Claudia blossom in every way. I am more in love with her than ever, and that is also thanks to Power Couple.

C&B: What was the most difficult challenge you experienced during the show and how did it challenge you personally?

Andrei Niculae: Probably the first challenge, riding a bicycle upside down, is something I never thought I would do in this lifetime. On a personal level, I would have liked to win more challenges, because it’s clear I would have gone home a long time ago if I didn’t have Claudia by my side, who was very good at everything.

C&B: What advice would you give to young people who aspire to build a career in media and entertainment?

Andrei Niculae: It’s always a joy to meet young people and I take every opportunity to tell them to dream, to try even if it seems impossible, and not to give up even if sometimes everything may seem boring. They should always try to do a little more than what’s written in the job description and not waste time. I hope that one day they will enjoy an interview like this one, for which I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Andrei Niculae’s story is about the courage to try, passion, and the constant drive to grow. From the child who dreamed of working in radio to the voice that now brings nostalgia and joy to thousands of listeners, his journey proves that when you follow your dream, the results will eventually follow.