Kiswahili radio icon Alex Mwakideu marked an impressive milestone two decades in the broadcasting industry. The celebrated Radio 47 presenter hosted a lavish celebration at Sarit Centre’s Alloy Lounge, bringing together a host of media personalities, colleagues, and friends to commemorate his remarkable journey.
Dressed in black and gold, the guests reflected the event’s theme, which honored Mwakideu’s contributions to the Kenyan media landscape. The guest list included a who’s who of the entertainment world, such as Jalang’o, his former co-host, Wilbroda (Nyaminde), Mwende Macharia, MCA Tricky, King Kaka, Dr. Ofweneke, Obinna, and Vijana Barubaru. The presence of these renowned figures was a testament to the impact Mwakideu has had on the industry, with many sharing fond memories of their collaborations with him.
During the event, Mwakideu shared insights into the dynamics of radio partnerships, offering an honest and candid reflection on his career. He spoke about the challenges he faced when working with new co-hosts, noting that, like any professional relationship, radio partnerships often start with some friction. “When you’re assigned a new co-host, like Jalas or MCA Tricky, there’s usually some behind-the-scenes friction,” he admitted. “People don’t know this, but there’s a lot of conflict at first.”
Despite these challenges, Mwakideu’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. “Two decades is no small feat. Celebrating with my people here today is truly amazing,” he said, reflecting on his long-standing success. His words resonated deeply with the guests, many of whom have been part of his radio career, either as co-hosts, listeners, or supporters.
Mwakideu’s entry into the broadcasting world was anything but conventional. He recounted how an unexpected opportunity shaped his career. “The news anchor got stuck in traffic, and I was told, ‘This is your time to shine.’ Luckily, I had trained for such moments. I went on air, did my best, and that’s how I got the job.” Despite not having studied journalism, Mwakideu’s natural talent and determination made him an undeniable force in radio. This impromptu on-air debut marked the beginning of his rise in the industry, a journey fueled by passion, perseverance, and an unrelenting work ethic.
In the early stages of his career, Mwakideu worked as an actor and voice-over artist, earning just Ksh 5,000 a month. His big break came when he transitioned into radio by reading commercials. He credited his strict work ethic for his success. “I don’t tolerate nonsense. Anyone who has worked with me knows this. We would often argue after shows,” he shared, revealing that his pursuit of excellence sometimes led to disagreements. However, his relentless drive for quality has been key to his longevity in the industry.
Mwakideu’s partnership with Jalang’o was particularly memorable. While the two became fan favorites during their time together on air, Mwakideu joked about the challenges they faced as co-hosts. “Jalang’o is incredibly stubborn and confident. Working with him wasn’t easy,” he laughed, acknowledging the chemistry that helped make their show a hit.
Throughout the years, Mwakideu has remained a significant figure in Kenyan radio. His unwavering commitment to entertaining and educating his listeners has earned him the respect of fans and peers alike. Social media has been abuzz with congratulatory messages, with fans like @nyakwarnjago expressing their admiration: “You’ve been so inspirational, educative, and entertaining. May God bless you, Kaka!”
As Mwakideu celebrates two decades in broadcasting, his journey serves as an inspiration to many aspiring broadcasters. His story of rising from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential figures in Kenyan media is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and resilience. With the possibility of a reunion with Jalang’o on the horizon, Mwakideu’s impact on the industry is far from over, and his fans can look forward to more memorable moments from the radio icon.
