Maina Kageni has been on the radio for the past 22 years, earning himself a loyal following among Kenyans.
During an interview with Mpasho, the veteran host spoke about the experience saying that he didn’t feel the years as he had enjoyed the job immensely.
“It’s rewarding. It doesn’t feel like its that long. Every day isn’t the same. That’s what I love about radio. There are no two days that are the same.
I love being able to interact with my callers and see what they are doing. I love my co-host. I think that I am blessed with the best co-host anyone could ever want.
I am in a blessed environment where I work according to what my limits are.”
He also had advice for aspiring radio presenters telling them to be their authentic selves when doing the job.
“It’s not the easiest thing but its something you need to learn quickly to be yourself. A listener will know if you’re faking it. It’s an instinctive thing. You need to know who you’re talking to.
What are they going through in their lives? How are they relating to that? How can you add value? You’re not going to add value just happiness.
Cause it’s very easy for radio presenters to live in a bubble cause you live in a studio where you don’t see your audience.
You’re paid a lot of money, so it’s easy to become detached from your audience, so it’s easy to go astray. Just be yourself and have fun,” he concluded.
Maina also reacted to the common meme, ‘Let me tell you, Maina!’, which started after Kenyans noted how his loyal fans would behave when sharing ‘tea’ with him.
He was proud of the expression saying that it meant he and his fans have great communication.
“It means it is a brand and we don’t just talk. It isn’t something that just happens to everyone. I am very grateful that I have the best audience ever and they are the most fun ever.”
BY MPASHO NEWS
