Kalekye Mumo’s laughter and poise commands your attention. She is one of the warmest and most approachable Kenyan media personalities you could ever meet. People across the country wake up to her roaring chuckle on the Kiss 100 breakfast show every weekday morning.
But Kalekye is all business with her hair salon, Black Butterfly; her TV career as an actor and producer; and her music career as a solo artist and manager.
Waay before Kalekye was the radio sensation she is now, she was like many of us — dreaming of a career that might not see the light of day. Kalekye has loved radio since childhood, but — like most African parents — her mom and dad discouraged a media and communications degree.
Still, Kalekye was determined to follow her dream. Her ardent chase began once she graduated from the United States International University – Africa in 2000 with a degree in international relations.
Kalekye’s first job was in administration at Homeboyz Radio. She was in the vicinity of her calling but never actually got to sit behind the microphone. A year later at Roughcuts Communication Company, Kalekye received training on sound engineering and worked as a studio manager for two years. She wasn’t earning much at the time, just Ksh10,000 a month. But her entrepreneurial skills kicked in, and she took up hosting karaoke nights and creating advertising jingles to get some extra cash.
Kalekye’s big break on air came after five years of trying. Capital FM ran a radio talent search, and she made the cut. She’d only worked there for four months when Kiss 100 came calling. The catch? The only position was for a news anchor. She took it, and Kalekye’s mike has been “on air” now for almost 10 years.
Akilah Net met with Kalekye to get her insights on what it takes to make it in the world of media and entertainment.
What made you start your entertainment career in radio and not TV?
When I was growing up, I had more access to radio than TV, that was for adults. You would be allowed to sit in the kitchen with the nanny and listen to radio with no questions asked. That’s where my love for music and how it was presented began.
You are still seeking growth in your career in radio. Does your focus on other areas of business, music, and TV take away from that?
No, it doesn’t. Because radio is about experiences, and in my other fields I get to see and hear amazing stories, which I bring back to the radio show. The more exposed you are to the real world, the more content you have.
How exactly do you juggle your hair salon business, running a demanding breakfast show, growing a career in music, and your TV productions? Isn’t it over-extending yourself?
First of all, I am passionate about what I do. If you love something, you willingly want to be there, so that keeps me going.
But mostly, it’s all about planning. You can’t attend to everything in one day, so I schedule my days and priorities. When you stick to the plan, everything falls into place.
My first responsibility is radio, which I do daily. Then I slot my salon management duties, music studio time, and filming around it.
Was it always your plan to do all these things at once?
Not at all. I began by perfecting my radio DJ skills first. It was my dream to be on radio, and it took me five years to get in. So I worked on it, and when I got to a level where I was confident enough to do it without panic, I then had the yearning for more to keep me going.
I began by getting back into acting on Kenya’s first soap opera, Mali, then opening the salon, and then music and TV hosting. It comes with growing from one stage to another based on development of interests.
What are some of the skills you have learned from one area of your career that have impacted the other areas of your career positively?
I’d have to say the practice of organized speech — how to capture people’s attention, reel them in, and finish on a high. This works in presentations, MC jobs, and motivating staff.
Being on radio, you learn that people are different and need to be dealt with differently. This really helps my interpersonal skills. Listening to music all day, I got to understand what makes a hit and how to market it, and that’s working for my music career.
“I didn’t have a mentor walking me through all I did. I observed and picked the best of what I saw and made my path.”
What advice would you give a young individual who hopes to pursue all of these areas like you? Where should they begin?
Look out for the person who impresses you the most. Then listen, watch, and learn from wherever you are. Practice, practice, practice. Never give up on your dream.
I didn’t have a mentor walking me through all I did. I observed and picked the best of what I saw and made my path. As you do so, PRAY. Nothing good comes without hard work and God.
What are some of the most powerful lessons you have learned about working in media and entertainment?
“We moved from analogue to digital, meaning more TV and growing stations. I need someone to pass the baton to. So definitely if you are talented, go for it.”
Not everyone will be happy with your success. Develop a tough skin. Not all that glitters is gold: the fans, the hype. It can go to your head, and when it does, you lose focus — you’re done.
The media can eat you up alive and spit you out like rubbish. You need to know why you’re doing what you do.
How do you manage your brand online and maintain a sort of autonomy from the gossip culture that comes with this industry?
What you post becomes what you are. I keep my private social media pages private, and the fan pages to serve their purpose. In this industry, you choose who you want to be. Nobody writes about something you didn’t show them.
You must know who you are and what your responsibility to society is in your position in the media.
Art and entertainment may be forms of expression, but now more than ever across Africa, artists are using this as a platform for social change. Is this something you consider important and something you are engaging in?
The position I am in has taught me that there are a lot of young girls out there with low self esteem, especially in the face of Internet and TV. I am focused on inspiring and empowering girls to love themselves as they are, especially plus-size girls. They have it twice as hard to get by.
Is conventional mainstream TV and radio still something an aspiring entertainer should pursue? Or should they channel their energies online?
The opportunities in these fields grow every day. We moved from analogue to digital, meaning more TV and growing stations. I need someone to pass the baton to. So definitely if you are talented, go for it.
What platforms online can industry novices maximize to build their niche? Are there some you personally use?
Twitter, Instagram, and more than ever, your YouTube channel. This will grow you immensely. Put up your work, someone will notice your talent. Keep to your mission, and you will succeed
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