Fly guy - Ramah Nyang

Name: Ramah Nyang, Kiss TV news editor

Age: 23

Birthday: July 29

How did you get on TV/radio?

I got into radio just after high school when I started doing voiceovers for Transworld Radio. One thing led to another and I ended up in the school radio station at Daystar University [Shine FM], where I was pursuing a degree in advertising. After that, I joined Classic 105 and later KTN in 2008. I came back to Radio Africa’s Kiss TV in August last year to build a news brand from scratch.

Did you always want to be on TV?

Honestly, no. I’d like to own one in future, but if you asked me this five years ago, being on TV as a presenter was not something I had planned to do. Radio is my first love. It’s faster, more demanding and way more intimate than TV.

Do you plan to venture into other fields?

Rama

Lots of ideas on this, but media planning is something I’d love to try in future. There are times I flirt with the idea of setting up a venture capital firm to invest mainly in media. Few people understand the creative and the money side of the media business, something that can be profitable to secure. For the next five years or so, though, I’m still going to be in media.

Tell us about an embarrassing moment on air?

There was a debate on East Africa Breweries Limited’s Alvaro product in Parliament a while back, I think in 2007/08, and the Tinderet MP, Henry Kosgey presented a defence on why the drink was non-alcoholic to the floor of the House. Back then, the bulletins on Classic 105 were live and when the audio clip of the debate went on air, I couldn’t help but laugh, a long, hard laugh, the sort that brings tears to your eyes. And this was all live on radio. Not exactly professional behaviour for someone who’s supposed to give you a summary of the information you need in not more than six minutes.

How do you unwind?

I used to cook, but I don’t find time for that these days. Most of the time, a decent book or video game will do.

　

What do you look for in a partner?

She has to be really smart, self-driven and extremely ambitious. Hot eye candy is important no matter all the clichÈ statements about beauty only being skin-deep. Believing that is living in a fantasy. She has to have an open mind too, be willing to change ideas as necessary or tolerate those she does not agree with. She shouldn’t have this silly belief that she has to change who I am, also known as a sort of "God complex" if you will. Either take me as I am or walk. And that goes both ways.

Words: Silvia Njoki

Photo: Leon Muli