In a candid and heartfelt interview on the popular show “Behind the Mic,” Cynthia Mwangi, the show’s host, sat down with the accomplished radio presenter Nancy Kwamboka, affectionately known as Nana Diva.
With a friendship that spans more than a decade, Mwangi and Nana Diva’s conversation delved into the journalist’s inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent figure in the radio industry.
Nana Diva’s introduction as a journalist by profession, wife, and mother of three highlights the multifaceted nature of her life.
However, it is her role as a radio presenter, radio creative, and programmes manager that has truly defined her career trajectory.
The interview not only sheds light on Nana Diva’s successful career but also uncovers the resilience, determination, and passion that drove her to overcome challenges.
As Mwangi reminisced about their college days, Nana Diva shared her remarkable path from being a passionate consumer of media during her childhood to pursuing her dreams despite life’s twists and turns.
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Growing up, Nana Diva had aspirations of entering the world of air travel and tourism, even receiving an admission offer to study in London.
Tragically, the loss of her father altered the course of her plans. The subsequent responsibilities that arose from her family’s situation led her to work at a wholesale store in Kisumu, selling everyday household items.
It was during this period that Nana Diva’s love for newspapers led her to an advertisement for a college offering a diploma in mass communication.
Determined to follow her passion for media, she took the opportunity, even though it was not at the prestigious institution she had initially hoped for.
She recalled how she applied using her mother’s address, due to the family’s unstable circumstances. This decision marked the beginning of her journey into the world of journalism.
Her internship at KBC for TV production provided her with valuable experience, yet her true passion lay in radio.
Inspired by iconic TV personalities like Kanze Dema and the late Catherine Lasavuli, Nana Diva’s heart was set on radio.
Her blend of admiration for TV hosts and her own radio aspirations eventually paved the way for her career in radio. In 2007, she embarked on an internship with KBC.
One of the most compelling aspects of Nana Diva’s journey is her dedication to learning and mastering the vernacular languages of Kenya.
Growing up in Kisii and Luo Land, she was fluent in both the Kisii and Luo languages.
With her dedication and determination, Nana Diva tackled the challenges of communicating effectively in her native dialects.
Her impressive language skills allowed her to seamlessly transition into vernacular media, despite societal stigmas that some associated with such platforms.
Nana Diva’s journey was not without its challenges. Alice Chae, the head of radio at Egesa , initially doubted Nana Diva’s ability to speak her native languages fluently due to her modern education background.
However, Nana Diva’s persistence and confidence in her skills proved Alice wrong. She embraced the opportunity to work in vernacular media, using her unique position to bring her modern education and language skills to the airwaves.
This courage and determination allowed her to overcome stereotypes and make a mark in a field that she was deeply passionate about.
As Nana Diva recounted, her internship at Egesa was continuously extended, a testament to her exceptional skills and dedication.
She navigated through the 2007 Kenyan elections and the ensuing post-election violence, showcasing her ability to adapt, report, and handle sensitive topics.
Her resilience during these tumultuous times solidified her position as a rising star in the radio industry.
Nana is currently the Head of Station,Egesa FM
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