Time check is 5:30 pm, am well set, as I wait in the Lounge at premises of 91.2 Crooze FM, waiting for my respondent, Edwyn, as he is commonly known by his listeners and fans.
From a dark room, which I later learn is the studio, he appears, dressed casually, in a simple t-shirt, a pair of denim jeans, and sandals, with a pair of headphones around his neck.
After exchanging pleasantries, we retreat to the compound for our interview.
Our correspondent, Ambrose Ninyebuuza, takes you through Edwin’s radio journey, love life and all you never knew.
Who is Edwyn off the Mic?
(With a little thinking), Edwin, (spelling of Edwin changes now), is generally a reserved guy, who spends his time watching movies, and listening to music.
Am a Mukiiga (smiles wide), was born here in Mbarara on 8th Dec 1992, you now know when to bring the gifts.
I went to single catholic schools, I went to Kitabi Seminary for O’level and St. Joseph’s Voc.school, Mbarara for my A’ level.(Emphasizing I write down this),Am the only ex-seminarian on radio now, help me do some research.Currently,am pursuing a degree in IT at Mbarara University.
How does Edwin get to Radio after a history in the Seminary?
Well, to me working on radio has always been a passion, even if it were to work on radio for free, assuming I had alternative means of survival I would, Messi, once said “I love football, I would even play for free”
I must say, it is all fun dealing with a wide fan base, music, which is my love.
The industry is however challenging, for it is big and with very many players, there is no space for mediocrity.
At first, my being on radio did not go down well with my family, my brothers thought I was going for the lime light, drugs and heavy drinking.
Who are your fans and how do you maintain the fan base?
My fanbase is basically the youths, ages 13-30 years.
The logic is simple, I know what they want I give my best, besides I work with a big brand, 91.2 Crooze FM.
Am readily available, no wings, once you meet me, probably in the club and recognize me, we can share a moment, but I do not encourage anyone to ask for where I stay(laughs loud)
How do you handle all the attention that comes with the celebrity status?
I have tried to avoid the limelight and all the media attention, I’ve kept away from the papers, the camera. (Giving my camera the ‘I hate you eye’).
I was a regular on the party scene, loved going swimming, but I have cut on all that to avoid the press, and besides I do not want the pressure of explaining to dad of how the photos in the Tabloids are not mine.
Who do you look up to, any role models, inspirational Quotes?
I admire Ryan Seacrets,he is experienced and is \ good at what he does, and the Late Dj Ronie,I play these guys’ recordings in my room, and still feel I have very long way to go.
Society knows your line of career to expose you to drugs, sex, and heavy drinking, what’s your take?
(In a composed mood), Somehow, this is a misconception.
This line of work is not a bed of roses, there is a lot of work, less sleep, you are the public’s eye, and maybe some use these things for the required extra energy.
I personally, do not work under the influence of anything, maybe water (laughs really hard).
Have you had any negative press, how have you managed to keep going?
Fortunately, I have not had the negative press, maybe I have played my game right running away from the press.
Maybe some rumour has been doing rounds that am preying on girls at campus.
This is a disclaimer (please note that down), that is not what am.
If anything most girls at campus do not know me in person.Bytheway am even rare at campus (I hope dad doesn’t read this)
Are you seeing anyone?
This is why I avoid the press, however (with deep sigh), yeah, Edwin is seeing someone.
No more detail please.
For how long have you been on radio, what are your roles?
I have worked with Crooze FM since July 2013-to date.
I’m a presenter doing The Crooze, Monday-Friday (5-8 pm) with Sherry Karabo,African Rythms,Saturday (5-8pm),I select music at the station, and I’m a resident Dj at the station.
What is your say about Co-Host chemistry?
I respect my co-host, and so does her.
She has been there before me, I actually look up to her in the industry
So, for me it is strictly professionalism.
Your last words to your fans
I wish to say a big thanks to my family, the Crooze FM family, who welcomed me, and everyone who appreciates what I do, I vow to keep giving nothing but the best, for it is what you deserve.
Our Reporter.
