Encomium
RADIO stations are sprouting out in quick succession as if it costs peanuts to establish one. Thought with a widespread of talented on-air personalities, we still have some who are exceptionally talented. Today, ENCOMIUM Weekly brings you some top radio presenters and their success stories.
STEVE ONU, a.k.a YAW, Wazobia FM
How long have you been an on-air personality?
I started on September 3, 2007, which makes it five years now.
What attracted you to the profession?
It is just the desire to express myself and to be heard.
What is the secret of your success?
I would say it is God first and the people because without both you will not succeed.
When was your most memorable moment on air?
Every minute is memorable to me because there is always something new and different. So, every time I switch on the microphone, it is memorable to me.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
That I can’t say for now, I leave myself in the hands of God.
, Naija FM
How long have you been an on-air personality?
It will be three years in October.
What attracted you to the profession?
I have always been a kind of person that loves to express myself and people listen to. The sound or the texture of my voice naturally draws attention which makes me express myself freely. So, my voice has been there, natural and inborn. I have always been in the debating team, drama group and I am also a singer, I am always around the microphone. However, I was called for the job, I did not apply for it because they learnt that I speak well.
What is the secret of your success?
I have always been myself, I just seat back in the studio or behind the microphone. I imagine my audience and what goes on in the street. I tend to see myself as a correct Naija pikin. Also, I put myself in different shoes and then connect. I was told in my training days by Olisa Adibua of Beat FM that, “Radio is happiness.” You must be able to give or bring happiness to your audience or listener.
When was your most memorable moment on air?
That was my first show. On my first day as a radio presenter, usually I was co-hosting but on the third day, I was alone in the studio. I just told myself that, ‘I can do it.’ After the show, I told myself, ‘this show was okay.’ The next person was my managing director, that walked in with an edition of Genevieve magazine and told me, ‘You did amazingly well.’ So, ever since that time, there had never been crisis in the studio that would move me.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I want to be involved in the administrative part but that would be in my next cause. I can’t speak for now. I will still be talking but on the low side.
OLAYEMI OGUNWOLE, a.k.a Honey Pot, Rainbow FM
How long have you been an on-air personality?
I have been doing it for eight years.
What attracted you to the profession?
I had a friend who told me years back that she saw this thing in me and would like me to be a presenter or broadcaster. I just had it all over me that presenting is the best job for me. So, she started searching for a job in my name. I got my first job with NTA while in school. The basic thing is, one just have to be passionate for the job.
What is the secret of your success?
It has been God all the way. You have to be very hard working and ready to learn every day. The day you stop learning, it means you are dead.
When was your most memorable moment on air?
It was my very first day talking live on NTA. I started and ended the show all by myself and I burst into tears saying, “I did not do the show well.” While my friend was there telling me don’t worry, you are the best and you will get there.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I believe I will be doing my own thing because I can’t imagine sitting on one desk doing some very funny or weird things. I just enjoy my own job.
IFEDAYO OLARINDE, a.k.a Freeze, Cool FM
How long have you been an on-air personality?
I have been practicing for 16 years and I love it.
What attracted you to the profession?
I like to express myself and I believe broadcasting is my thing. I love music too and I consider myself an outgoing person, so I found it very easy to just blend with broadcasting.
What is the secret of your success?
I would thank God first because He maintained me in a very evolving and dynamic sphere in the entertainment industry. Also, I tried to be different and be myself, I have a ‘freeze image or brand.’ I try to work with that brand, so I do not sound or act like anyone else. One major thing is my brand identity which I made unique.
When was your most memorable moment on air?
I can’t really remember any because I have lots of memorable moments at least once a month or week. Every day has been exciting with a new challenge.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Doing what I am doing and getting better at it, winning more awards, making a bit more money, spreading my ideas to others. I do not see myself doing anything else other than presenting and getting better pay.
- This story was first published in ENCOMIUM Weekly on Tuesday, September 4, 2012
