“I am the fourth born and the firstborn daughter of Oscar and Rehema Korosso,” Tinah says.
“We are Tanzanians, but we had to move when my father got a coaching job in Botswana and South Africa.”
For much of her life, Tinah lived with her family in Botswana, as a born-again Christian. Her parents imparted her with Christian values.
With a diploma in Music and Theology, Tinah was ready to unleash her potential: which she did with a slot to represent her country, Tanzania, in Tusker Project Fame 1.
“I love singing. Even to date, I still do — only that my songs focus on issues to do with my faith. Project Fame was a stepping stone, but I had no desire to sing for the secular world.”
When she was evicted from the show, Tinah went back to Tanzania where she got a radio job at Cloud FM. While the troubles in her love life continued, she found solace behind her microphone at the studio.
“It was hard, but I had to persevere. There are times my husband threatened my career. He would call my cell, my office, and the studio line while I am on air. I braved the times because I knew where I wanted to be.”
Her entry into Kenyan airwaves came as a surprise. “I jetted in from Dar-es-salaam to audition for a slot at Pili Pili FM in Mombasa. The station was then setting up. I didn’t expect to be selected but after a while, I received a call from Najib Balala, the proprietor, telling me I had been selected.”
Tinah rose to become the programmes controller at Pili Pili. Her stay at the Mombasa-based station was short lived. She received a call from Radio Maisha’s managing editor Tom Japani, asking her to join his team in Nairobi.
“I took up the new challenge and I have never regretted my move to Nairobi. Radio is not just a job: it’s a ministry for me to impact lives. I am happy here,” she concludes.