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His vocal prowess has earned him hundreds of voice overs for major corporate campaigns and advertisements; Jeff Mote is a force to reckon with across different media platforms and with his drive show on Kiss 100, his repertoire is conspicuously spoken for.
Having stumbled onto a career in radio amidst struggles and bottlenecks, Jeff has had phases in his life that would leave many celebrities paralysed with uncertainty.
It all started off when he was a first year student at Daystar University. Jeff resolved to join the university’s radio presenters’ crew, but little did he know that this position was only availed to fourth year students.
By sheer luck, he managed to host several shows and gain traction while at it but this worked to his disadvantage as several fourth year students rallied for his dismissal, insisting that he should wait for his chance in fourth year like everyone else.
Back to student life, he resigned to the fact that he’d have to wait years before he could present on the University radio, Jeff’s stars aligned yet again, as he heard that Homeboyz radio, then a new station, was on the lookout for new presenters.
“I remember marking the audition date after seeing an advertisement on paper and doing the much-needed rehearsals and pep talks,” says the man who ended up replacing Shaffie Weru on the evening drive show at Kiss 100.
“Having to fill Shaffie Weru’s shoes on the Kiss drive show was no mean feat,” he says.
As it were Shaffie had perfected his art and upheld his bad boy persona so high, that the next host would have to win audiences fast enough for the show to retain its ratings.
“I had been in Homeboyz radio for years but I had never quite thought that Kiss 100 would come looking for me for the position. However, I’d perfected my art over the years and I knew that there would be a few challenges, so I resolved to take it all in stride,” he confidently states.
True to his expectations, challenges sure came along. He had to win audience’s hearts and prove his critics wrong besides getting acclimatised to a radio personality.
“At first it was difficult for me. The show was seen as a Shaffie Weru’s baby and I had to change that mind-set among fans. At the same time, I had to distinguish myself from the personality I had at Homeboyz radio. This was a new show and experience. Everything had to be handled uniquely,” he recalls.
Linda and Chipukeezy, who had been at Kiss 100 for a while, did a great job of welcoming him into his role as their co-host.
“Thankfully, I had my orientation days and supportive co-hosts to lead me on.”
His distinct baritone voice is tonic for every ear and soon, especially ladies, started falling in love with Jeff’s overall personality in the show.
“While I was still striving to perfect everything, some ladies would call me up during the show and simply say that they loved my voice. Well, that was flattering but I was out to bring more than my voice and personality to the table so I didn’t let the compliments drown me,” he recalls.
It was here that Jeff decided to possess a loveable personality, different from the one that Shaffie, had previously portrayed on the show. Now, Jeff was all about standing for what is right in regards to the dilemmas posed by audiences, while comedian Chipukeezy threw in a spanner to the works with his mean comments and jokes.
“The funny thing is that most ladies would call complementing me because I’m not as brutal as my friend Shaffie on air.”
Speaking of ladies drawn to his baritone voice, we couldn’t help but wonder whether there is a special lass in his life.
“I am about to be married to a very special lady and I love that she is focused on her life goals, is loyal, and she can cook really well,” he reveals.
