As my little part of contributing to spoken word and poetry in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, I got interviewed by one of my usual guests and poet friend Kojo who runs The Poet and Friend Show on Facebook. It somehow looked interesting as tables turned and I had to be quizzed instead.
Check out the interview.
Finally, the interview with arguably Kumasi’s finest radio presenter (NY DJ) is here. He is the future of radio broadcasting in Ghana !!!
Kojo: Welcome to the Poet and Friend Show Sir
NY: Thanks for having me. I’m really honoured to be on your platform. You know my love for the arts.
Kojo: To me you are arguably Kumasi’s finest drive time host. So how has the journey been, from where you started to where you have made it to now?
NY: It feels great to be identified by you as the finest and I take pride in that. The journey started back in KNUST when I joined Focus fm in 2007. Prior to that, I served as the Debating team president and SRC Vice President in Kumasi Academy so I was more into oratory stuff so I really wanted to do radio. I never really had any formal training but I just loved it. I didn’t ever think of becoming a DJ though.
Kojo: I believe you are living your dreams to the fullest but were there days you felt like giving up on your dreams, If so how did you overcome days like that?
NY: Sure, it’s always fulfilling to live your passion although I believe there’s more to be done and to achieve. As human, there comes challenging times and my passion always keep me going. One thing I’ve come to accept is that, let no one incite you to quit, quit only if you really want to.
Kojo: What keeps you moving in life Sir?
NY: My passion drives me all the time and I’ve made all efforts to surround myself with optimistic people who share and believe in my dreams. Above all, God is the strongest force that keeps me moving.
Kojo: How many years have you been in the media and do you think you have made an impact since you started your media work?
NY: Hmmm, I’ve done commercial radio for 2 years entering my 3rd year with Kapital Radio but I worked with Focus fm while on KNUST Campus for 3 years. With making impact, I think it would be right for my listeners to tell but it feels great when I’m identified amongst a crowd. It makes me feel I’m perhaps doing something right.
Kojo: Can you give me three challenges you face as a media personnel as you embark on your daily job?
NY: My daily challenge would have to do with the little or virtually no available resources but you know I love such situations because that makes me think outside the box and makes me improvise. That brings the genius in me
Kojo: Thanks for promoting poetry in Kumasi and Ghana as a whole. how has the experience and feeling been, hosting poets in this region every Saturday?
NY: Trust me, it’s been great and you wouldn’t imagine the feedback the station has been receiving. I felt that was the little contribution I could make in giving life to one aspect of the arts that many were sleeping on.
Kojo: I know many ladies won’t forgive me if I don’t ask this question. Please are you married?
NY: Hahaha, I’m still searching. Just a joke, I’m in a relationship and trust me, my girl is a great inspiration to me.
Kojo: What genre of music do you like listening to? And if I may ask is there any reason behind that?
NY: Honestly, in my solitude, I love to listen to jazz music and the reason being that, I find my real self in the mood these jazzy tunes provide.
Kojo: Who inspires you most in life?
NY: Wow!!! Inspiration, my Dad is a great source of inspiration and in my field; I take a lot from Kwame Sakyiama otherwise known as Lexis Bill. He’s just humble, hardworking and above all God fearing.
Kojo: We have come to the end of this interesting show. Please what are your last words to the youth of Ghana and what should Ghanaians expect from NY this year?
NY: It’s been an interesting twist especially when I usually do the questioning but had a turned table now. I would love to ask the youth to go after their passion and not necessarily money because in their passion, they will find happiness and inner satisfaction.
On my part, I wish to have the best positive impact I can ever have on my generation. I wish everybody well in 2014 and once again, thanks for having me.
