By Our Reporter
Danze Edwin is currently the Head of Digital Marketing at Next Media Services. But that is just one of the many hats he wears.
He has also recently ventured into radio broadcasting as a presenter.
We caught up with him for a quick chat about his professional journey as a Digital Marketer and what inspired him to become a radio presenter.
1. Who is Danze Edwin?
I am a Ugandan currently building a career in digital marketing. I am alsoo a producer, radio presenter on Nxt Radio, content curator, content creator, influencer, brand ambassador, gamer and movie lover.
2. How did you start your career in Digital Marketing?
It all began in 2011 while at The Sylvia Owori boutique and African Woman magazine.
I was among 4 gentlemen selected to intern at the then Uganda’s Biggest Fashion house (Probably still is). I was in my 2nd year at Makerere University doing a bachelors in Industrial and fine arts (BIFA).
Through this internship, I was exposed to the marketing side of the internet. Before, all I did was play video games online and watch gaming walkthrough.
Yes, I am a gamer, but we shall get into that later.
I managed Sylvia’s social media handles and did the online communication.
I had to do a lot of customer care since she was venturing into global supplier and African Woman Magazine was going digital.
I had project “gigs” in agencies like, Buzz, Selas Marketting, Moringa (now TBWA) but my 1st official job was when I joined an advertising agency called Fireworks Advertising which eventually became BrainChild Burson-Marsteller in 2015.
I have managed to work with brands like Club, Castle milk stout, Cineplex, Coca cola, Pepsi, Mirinda, Mountain dew, NSSF, Centernary Bank, Trade mark east Africa, Groffin, NIC, Uganda Waragi Volt etc.
My career really took off in 2017 when I joined NBS Television as the head of digital marketing. It wasn’t yet Next Media Services, just NBS TV.
3. How did you become a radio presenter?
A series of fortunate events… Let me explain; With a career in digital marketing, you are eventually exposed to content creation. This eventually turned me into a content creator.
At NBS Television, I hosted a tech and lifestyle show called “nbs connect” — this was for about a year. This allowed me discover a talent I didn’t know I had, which was being comfortable on set and in front of a camera.
When Nxt Radio launched in 2018, I was more interested in making sure the brand had an online blue print, strong social media platforms and a functional content strategy. I believe it has done just that.
Along the way I started working with my now co-host Renny Byamugisha. Our office banter evolved into a Radio show.
Our workmates used to listen to our office conversations and say, “why don’t you two take these opinions on air?”
The “NXT” Step was to do voice tests, get a show name, synopsis, a producer and approval from the Nxt Radio General Manager, Marcus Kwikiriza (Legend in the game).
The show is called R n D (Renny and Danze).
Nxt Radio is an audio-visual radio station. Being part of this media evolution in Uganda is something I don’t take for granted. Being part of a 1st is something I relish, a challenge I gladly took up.
4. How has that journey been so far?
The pilot episode was on 25th October 2020 and since then, we’re 49 episodes in.
We’ve hosted over 20 guests, premiered over 15 tracks, visited over 6 venues on the road (Our show goes out of studio).
What really stands out for me, so far is that I’ve learnt a lot more about myself through the interviews we hold on the show and discovered so much Ugandan and African Music.
The #NXTRnD Show airs on Sundays 6-8pm on Nxt Radio. We share personal experiences, banter about everyday issues, do winners and losers of the week. We however don’t do politics, sports and religion.
Radio has taught me how to prep, be consistent and the importance of an audience.
5. How do you balance your day job and Radio?
I am well trained, and I have learnt to multitask. Knowing that your actual job comes 1st is always important.
At Next Media, they encourage us to maximise our potential as much as possible. So this also helps in managing expectations.
I have a team of very able and energetic young people that I work with. They ease the work load hence I don’t have to do all the work myself.
6. Any advice to young creatives?
1st things 1st; you’re the BEST at what you do, BUT there are thousands of other people that are also “the best at what they do”. So, stay relevant, be consistent, learn, unlearn and re-learn.
This world won’t wait for you to adapt, so evolve NOW. And get ready for the next 3 years of your life.
Personally, I make sure that I plan for my next 100 days. This allows me room to change plans and add something new to what I do quarterly.