Kerry Martin’s journey to becoming one of Kenya’s most influential radio personalities is a testament to hard work, passion, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. His path from a flight attendant to a leading radio host at Kiss100 FM and a rising star in talent management is a story that inspires many young people with dreams of making it big in the entertainment industry.
Martin’s story began when he was just 18 years old. After completing his Form Four studies, he came across an advertisement seeking flight attendants. Intrigued by the opportunity, he decided to apply, undergo the training, and secure a job in the aviation industry. This move allowed him to travel the world, meet people from different cultures, and broaden his perspective on life. His time as a flight attendant was pivotal in shaping his worldview, particularly in understanding the challenges and development within Kenya and Africa despite their socio-economic issues.
However, it was in the skies that Martin’s interest in radio began to take flight. While working as a flight attendant, he started doing voiceovers, a skill that would become central to his radio career. He honed his voice during flight briefings, which eventually caught the attention of someone from Capital FM. The encounter led him to a voice demo, which he passed successfully, marking the beginning of his transition into radio.
Although Martin initially dreamed of becoming a news anchor, he soon realized that the rigid nature of following scripts did not suit his personality. He discovered that radio, with its freedom and flexibility, would allow him to express himself in a way that news reporting couldn’t. Eager to share his unique voice, he pursued a career in radio, which would allow him to become the entertainer he always wanted to be.
Before joining Kiss100 FM, Martin’s radio journey saw him working at Urban Radio. His time there lasted a year, during which he sharpened his skills and gained valuable experience. Eventually, Martin sent a demo to G Money, a well-known figure in the radio industry. After passing a voice test, he was offered a weekend show at Kiss100, a platform that launched his career into the limelight.
In a recent interview with Oga Obinna, Martin shared his excitement about his recent achievements. Last week, he signed a new lucrative deal with Value Added Talent (VAT), a dynamic agency specializing in talent management, media tours, and event coordination. The deal is expected to elevate Martin’s career to the international stage, where he hopes to make a significant impact. He was also appointed as the Chief Operations Officer (COO) and Talent Manager at VAT, where he will oversee talent development and management.
One of the highlights of his new role at VAT is the upcoming event, Sepetuka: Summer Bunnies Edition. Martin will serve as the MC, while 2Wo Bunnies will headline as DJs. The event promises to be a major entertainment spectacle, with additional acts expected to be revealed at the press conference. As COO, Martin is deeply involved in the management of several upcoming events, ensuring they meet the high standards expected in the entertainment industry.
VAT, where Martin has now solidified his place, is known for managing talents in various creative fields, from music to performance. The agency has an impressive roster of talents, including South African artists like 2Wo Bunnies, TitoM, Yuppe, Tango Supreme, Success SA, and Kmart, alongside Kenyan stars like Melina Gold, Bonneke West, Aziza Hashim, and MGM. With Martin now joining their ranks, he aims to bring his experience and insights to further elevate the agency’s profile.
With his new deal and role at VAT, Kerry Martin’s career continues to soar. His evolution from flight attendant to radio star and now a talent manager is a testament to his dedication to his craft and his commitment to growing the entertainment industry. His story encourages others to embrace new opportunities, learn from every experience, and always pursue their passions, no matter where they may lead.
