New Kid: Ricky Ashley Agaba, alias Star Ashley, God’s son, The African prince. There can never be enough aliases for the kid of today and the new face of NTV’s T-Nation is just the reflection of that. Isaac Ssejjombwe had a chat with him.
- How did you join T-Nation?
I have always loved TV, so I talked to the producer of T-Nation, Edris Mattu Ssegawa in January 2019 and he gave me an opportunity, with an offer to start on December 1 the same year.
I prayed about getting the job, however, I believe my passion, persistence and willingness to learn could have been the reason I got the job as a presenter on T-Nation.
- But we have heard Crysto Panda is still the presenter of the show.
I do a segment called post it, outdoor interviews and at times studio interviews but those are specific areas. Crysto is still part of the T-Nation team and he mainly hosts studio interviews. I have learnt a lot from him, such as working hard, being passionate and focused.
- Where did you learn TV presenting from?
I am talented, and learnt more by listening to radio and imitating radio presenters such as Denzel of XFM, Deedan of Sany FM, Brian Mulondo of KFM and Gaetano of Capital FM, which polished me a bit. Besides that, different people have mentored me. People such as Edris Mattu, Denzel and Shaban Ssenyange.
However, the person I look upto is English media personality James Corden. I love his art and achievement in the media.
- What have you achieved so far during your year on TV?
I am the brand ambassador of Victoria University and the James Art Foundation. I pay for my apartment and take care of my friends and family. I scooped the ambassadorial role because of my engagement and initiative with the youth, which fitted the new norm and vision of education at Victoria University.
- Have you faced any challenges since you joined TV business?
A lot, but rejection and no payment from some media houses when I was just starting out stand out.
Also when I was starting out, my parents were against me joining TV. I was living with my uncle and he couldn’t understand my dream, so he kicked me out of his house and I couldn’t stand seeing my mum cry so I decided to be on my own. But thank God, my dream is paying and my mum is proud of me now.
TIT BITs…
Besides TV…
I work as a dental assistant at Dino Dental Kampala and Code Clinic from 8am to 3pm, then head for classes after.
Expectations
To advocate for youth and young disadvantaged people, because everyone deserves to smile. Also, I am the new generation. All I am doing is setting a trend.
Fave School
Buddo SS. Their vibe is real and they are welcoming.
Schools attended
Bright Day and Boarding Primary School, Merryland High School, Entebbe and Brilliant High School Kawempe. Umcat School of Journalism and now I am at Victoria University studying Public Administration.
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