Living a dream: He was named Elgon Zone’s best media personality last year, only two years after he joined the industry. And although Musosi always admired listening to people on air, he had never pictured himself behind the mic, as he tells Denis Mukungu.
Tell me about yourself?
I am Ibrahim Musosi Almansi, a Mugisu. I am a down to earth person and that is the reason I have so many friends
What do you do?
I am currently a radio presenter and programmes manager at 95.0 Time FM Mbale.
When did you start your radio career?
I started in October 2014. It was the first time I stepped in studio. Listening to radio is easy and fun but being in studio presenting for the first time feels like jail.
Was it something you dreamt of doing?
I always admired radio presenters but I never thought I would be one. I developed interest after talking to Byron Wambede, the Time FM manager then. He told me I had what it took to be a radio presenter. He knew me so well, so I decided to give it a try.
What has been your best moment since you took on this job?
The day I got the award for best media personality Elgon zone 2016 in the Eastlink Media Awards. I was just two years old in media and people were already appreciating what I do. It felt like a dream.
What makes you stand out?
I do a lot of research before going on air. I welcome criticism and use it as a positive tool and I am always ready to seize every learning opportunity at hand.
What is the worst thing a caller has ever said to you on air?
Do I have any? Ooh yeah! A listener called and asked “do you know me?” of course so many people call in, so it’s hard to know who you are talking to. It really put me off but professionally you can’t fight a caller even if he pisses you off. So I turned it into a joke and in the end, we were good.
What are some of the challenges that come with your kind of job?
People expect a lot from a media personality. Some people expect a media personality to be very rich.
There is also a lot of competition among media personalities, which sometimes turns into bad blood.
Which Ugandan radio personality inspires you?
I liked the late DJ Ronnie so much. He was very good. I used to listen to Late Date way back. Too bad I never met him.
If you weren’t on radio, what would you be doing?
Business. I have always wanted to be my own boss. The dream is not over though.
Last word to your fans…
Thank you so much for supporting me and Time FM. More is yet to come!
QUICK BITS ON MUSOSI
EDUCATION
I went to Bukiiti primary schools in Sironko, Highway SDA P/S Namanyonyi Mbale, St Andrews P/S Wanyange Jinja. I joined Bugwere High School. For S1, I went to Green Valley High School, Kayunga for S2. I joined Mbale Comprehensive for S3 to S6 and Iater joined Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT) for a diploma in Procurement and Logistics management.
Relationship status:
I am in a relationship. All I look for in a woman is love and honesty. And I must say I got it all.
Second wife?
Hahaha No! Women are the same. Our fathers/grandfathers married more than one woman to show off. To be seen as superior or village champions. Now things changed. The cost of living is so high plus the stress that comes with two women, I can’t!
Fav song/artiste
I listen to so many genres of music and different artistes. I don’t have a favourite song or artiste.
Sports fan?
I am a Liverpool fan. I love Volley ball and football. I played football since primary. I remember during my Senior Six vacation football was my only source of income. I quit the day I joined radio. Now I only play corporate league football.