We often hear their voices over the radio, playing us our favorite tunes whilst they talk to us about any various issues in life; they offer an array of anecdotes to the various challenges and mishaps people face. Encouraging several listeners to participate in their talk shows is another proven task, buttressed by their ‘presence’ in your home, car, at work, in the restaurant or the taxi you used during rush hour; they keep you company even when you’re in bed at night. These people called radio presenters make it a point in their lives to keep you entertained; from the daily countdown to the drive through, different radio stations cough up different programmes to keep you and thousands other listeners tuned in. And because of that the radio personality is created forming a special bond with the listener thus creating a fan base for the personality they exude over the air waves. We’ve seen the likes of Seanice Kacungira, Gaetano Kaggwa, James Onen aka Fat Boy, Mackenzie and Bizzle among others and despite their ‘lack of physical interaction’, these people have relied on their voices and diction to make it in life and also make a name for themselves.
However, sitting for hours in a sound-proof room talking to yourself for hours despite the air conditioning (in most cases) can prove to be a bit monogamous if not boring. So, in a bid to decipher the day-to-day lives of a radio personality in their line of work and how best they try to handle whatever this life throws at them, The EagleOnline sought out David Anthony Kanuma, a radio presenter with Xfm. He provided insight.
People say most radio personalities are two different beings. Does this cause any confusion in your work?
Yes, some radio presenters are two different people or things, for example someone might be a radio presenter and a construction engineer at the same time. And it affects my line of work because sometimes I am required to be online yet there is pending work somewhere else.
People often confuse DJs and radio presenters; why is that and do you find it offensive?
Yeah, people do confuse radio personalities with Djs which is really irritating because not all radio personalities can DJ and yes I do find it offensive because I have to explain to them that its not the same thing.
And how do these professions differ?
Well a Dj is a music ‘mixologist’ who selects music according to BPMs(beats per minute) and a radio presenter does not select the music. But he/she is responsible for the content that the listeners get to listen to.
So you have to play whatever is already selected on the playlist before engaging your listeners. Isn’t that frustrating? Wouldn’t you rather play something of your own choice?
Yes, I have to play what is already scheduled in the system. I would love to put in my songs as well but rules are rules. But luckily enough all the music played in the system is ‘today’s hit music.’
Have you always thought about working in radio all your life?
It has crossed my mind a lot and I wouldn’t mind doing it all my life; I love it and not many people get this opportunity of waking up everyday to do what they love all their lives.
How long have you been at is and how did it come about?
After University, finding a job was a hustle (laughs). So, I have a few friends at Xfm, Libolo Chaii and Rudende who encouraged me to come out and try out for radio. At first I was afraid but they pushed me and I did eventually try it out and the station manager by then was Ssiima (Sabiti) who liked my voice and put me on probation for a while until I was given a show and the rest is history.
What is so unique about your voice and why do you think you were picked? Was it the accent, the husk or the crisp?
Well to be honest I haven’t yet found out why my voice is unique. However, I think I was chosen for radio because of my passion; every time I go on air I put my heart and soul into it.
Tell me a little about your show(s). What is it about? What happens on your show and how does it impact on your listeners?
Thank you…I host two shows and both are on Saturday. The first show is from 2pm till 4pm, it’s called the X-zone where I basically play latest hits; carry out celebrity interviews and brand new music premieres. The second one starts at 7pm to 12am with DJ Ali Breezy and it’s called the ‘Party Starter’.
And yes, every time I go on air I want the person listening to say: “This dude is fresh and I love his hour.”
How do you get your news updates? Do you use Google like everyone else or do you guys have a secret means of getting your stuff since its always the latest. How do you get it so quick?
Well, sometimes I do Google things since Google is our best friend these days but I am always reading and researching, be it newspapers, TV, the internet or anything with information I can get my hands on.
God bless Google. I feel you. Did you always want to be a radio presenter or did you dream of something else before radio?
Before radio I wanted to do anything and everything involved with events. I love entertainment, media and music and by God’s grace I am still able to do that when I am not on radio.
Do you consider yourself some sort of entertainer?
Yes I do!
Something tells me to ask you: How do you sit and speak to yourself for hours? Does it not get boring?
I always imagine I am having a conversation with someone in the room even though there is no one there but it helps me and feels good plus it’s not like we speak for hours; a standard link is one minute maximum. It also never gets boring because you can decide to put some sounds (hot keys) in between your links or even background music helps.
And the topics you talk about; are they random or pre-selected as well?
The topics I discuss are not random. I try to find out what is relevant and what our target audience relates to.
Who are your target audience and how long have you been working with radio?
Our target audience is basically people between the ages 18 to 28. So, basically the youth, and I have been working for radio for two years now.
Are there any other skill sets you harbour apart from being a radio presenter?
Yes, off air I’m also the Promotions Officer for Xfm and Urban Tv. I am basically the link between Vision Group marketing and the two brands.
Is being a radio presenter an easier job compared to most 8-5 (day time) jobs?
No. I would say its very demanding but not like most 8-5 jobs. The beauty about it is once your show is done, you have a chance to prepare for your next show and you can go on and do other things as well.
Are there any particular people who inspire you?
Yes, there a re several people I look up to in this industry… Siima Sabiiti is one of them; a very phenomenal radio personality who always pushes herself to be great and Mr Keith Kuyoh, my boss, who is one of the smartest and intellectual marketing managers I have the pleasure of working under.
Are there any particular challenges radio presenters face in the media industry?
Yes, we are in the media all the time and the main challenge is that our private lives off of radio are prone to being also put in the media and some people might take that opportunity to create scandals which damage our images.
You’ve been a radio presenter for two years now, how do you deal with the attention, is it stressful keeping up this image or do you bask in all its glory?
I have managed to acquire a following especially on social media and a loyal fan base. However, I don’t do it for the image, its all about being humble and down to earth and constantly interacting with the fans be it on a social media platform or face to face.
Have there been any mishaps with any one of your fans or have they managed to behave themselves around you this year?
(Laughs)…No mishaps yet and I hope there will be none in the future, but they have managed to behave so far.
Anything you want to leave your listeners mulling about?
Tune in every Saturday from 2pm to $pm for the X-Zone and from 7pm to 12am on 94.8 Xfm. Cheers.
