After grief, came double joy

She started off as a TV presenter but has risen to be a polished news anchor. Though Grace Msalame looks like she has arrived, her journey to the top has been littered with bruising thorns. She shares her story with Shirley Genga

Looking at her effortless beauty and confidence, one would think that she had everything in her life laid down on a silver platter. But make no qualms about it, Grace Msalame — daughter of radio legend Tony Msalame — has gone through rough patches in her life.

Grace first hit the screens when was only 19 and eight years later, she is not only a mum but she has also managed to come out of her father’s shadow and carved a niche for herself in the ever competitive world of media.

Here’s her story: From a tender age, Grace knew she wanted to be on stage.

She recalls, “I acted and sang whenever the opportunity presented itself. I sang at weddings and even recorded a track with some friends once, but settled for singing in the church worship team.”

Naughty girl

Grace grew up in Nairobi and is the first born followed by a younger sister. She claims that although she looks reserved, she was quite the opposite as a child.

“I was naughty! I remember my parents were called to school on several occasions because I beat up a little boy who refused to give me attention. I was a tomboy, but that phase did not last long because my body developed into a woman very early; so I had to mature up quick. I have better control of my emotions now,” she says with a smile.

After her A-Levels at St Christopher’s, Grace did side hassles to make an extra buck before joining university.

“I did odd jobs here and there, selling stuff. One day, a friend told me about an opening for actors/actresses at KTN. I jumped on it, but I did not get the part. But while at the station’s offices, I made a few friends and asked around for other openings. I also made contact with KTN’s Michael Oyier, who was also my mum’s friend. Afterwards, I kept calling, emailing and showing up to inquire if there were vacancies. I was willing to do whatever it took to get my dream job,” she says.

Eventually, Michael introduced her to Misiko Andere the then Art Scene presenter, who at the time, was looking for an intern.

“A few weeks later, a youth show- Straight Up was coming up and they needed a young host. I was asked to try it out and I impressed the producer. We were trained by veterans like Katherine Kasavuli, Michael Oyier and Misiko Andere, who I got to learn from first hand,” she explains.

Grace went on to do Straight Up from 2005 to 2007. Afterwards, she left the station to pursue her degree at Daystar University. A year into her studies, KTN called her to come and host Art Scene.

And when the show ended, she moved to Capital FM, where she worked as a radio presenter.

Still mourning her dad

In 2010, something tragic happened.

Her father passed on, which was a devastating moment for her and her family. The pain was so much, she quit her job and relocated to Mombasa to be with her family and help run the family business.

“I wanted to be close to my mum and small sister. My dad also left behind Sheki FM in Mombasa, and I wanted to be part of it. But about a year into it, we realised that we were holding on to his dream, which was not necessarily ours. It was a tough decision, but we decided to sell it,” she explains.

She says that to many, her dad was a celebrity; but to her and her family, he was just papa. She speaks highly of him: “He was a strict disciplinarian. But he was so hilarious, he made our home fun! He also had such a great sense of style and love for music. To this day, those are some of the qualities I look for in a man,” she says.

Slowly she found healing and a reason to go on with life. In 2011, Grace was also blessed with twins who filled the void left by her dad.

“Time is a great healer, but I am still dealing with his death to date. God, however, gave me double joy after my grief. He blessed me with twin girls a year after dad’s death. My first born — Zawadi — looks a lot like him and loves music just like him. I can testify that God restores in double portion,” she says.

Slowly she moved on. In 2011, December she decided to return to TV.

On motherhood

 Grace’s greatest joy comes from motherhood.

“My girls turned two on April 13. The first born by one minute is Zawadi and second born is Raha. They are truly my pride and joy. They are intelligent and full of life. Zawadi is distinctly a first-born, independent and tells Raha what to do. She even corrects her when wrong, or helps her when stuck with something. Raha is the comedian. She has a new hilarious facial expression everyday, and this reminds me of dad,” she says.

“They are a gift to me. I may have had the worst day ever but when I get home, my daughters run to the door jumping and cheering to embrace me. It melts my heart. I am forever grateful for these two angels from God.”

Indeed motherhood has changed her a lot.

“Something happens to a woman after childbirth. You become confident and more comfortable in your skin. I actually feel more attractive and sexier now more than ever.”

“I am no longer carefree and reckless. I know I have two little people who need me for everything. That means I need to be at my best always. I do not entertain nonsense or toxic energy, so my social circle is small.  I had to do a lot of sieving, and I now have more meaningful and enriching relationships,” she says.

Joyful as it may appear, she confesses that the first days after delivery were stressful. “In the beginning, it was overwhelming. I had the worst baby blues. I felt inadequate because I was not producing enough milk, I was sleep deprived and my wound from the caesarean section was yet to heal. It was quite a trying period, but it made me stronger. I made it, thanks to a good support system, which included my mum, my sister and her husband and the girls’ father. Now at two years, it’s more fun, learning and growing together, and everything just comes naturally. I thank God,” she says.

So what is her secret for regaining her figure after giving birth?

“Breast feeding two babies and running after them and having a busy life. I only did some zumba when the babies were about six months. Recently, I started going to the gym to keep myself toned and healthy,” she explains.

She reveals that she is no longer in a relationship with the father of her girls, but says he has always been supportive and makes time when he can.