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The author is an award-winning youth advocate. He is the co-founder of a number of community initiatives including the Youth Congress, a premier youth-led organization in Kenya.
Many people know her from several radio shows and, most notably, from her glowing presence on Kenya’s Nation FM and TV broadcasts.
A passionate storyteller, Mariam Bishar has secured her presence on Kenya’s airwaves, amassing followers with her warmth, emotion and humor.
To learn more about her success, Raphael Obonyo spoke with Bishar about her passions, her career as radio presenter and the power of radio in Africa.
Raphael Obonyo: Tell us a little bit about yourself. What are your passions?
Bishar: I’m passionate about storytelling in all its mediums. I’ve explored radio, TV and podcasting. I’m hoping to expand that [passion] even further in film and TV this year. I believe my gift is to be able to share and amplify what good the world has to offer and to stomp the bad.
Obonyo: How did you first get your start in the world of radio?
Bishar: My first radio show was a weekend show on Homeboyz Radio. It was born from consistently pitching my ideas to station heads, recording demos and pestering industry people. A big shout out to singer Nviiri the Storyteller for recording a demo with me when all I had was good vibes and no budget/big name.
Obonyo: What are some of the other shows you have hosted?
Bishar: I’ve hosted the Wrap Up on Homeboyz Radio alongside Dj Fabz, the Morning Fix on Nation FM with David Oyuke, and then Brian Aseli. I’m currently hosting “Fixing the Nation,” a 360 show on Nation FM, NTV, YouTube, X, Instagram and TikTok.
Obonyo: What topics do you specialize in as a radio host?
Bishar: I’m particularly interested in tech, governance, women’s rights and the arts, with a heavy bias for the Kenyan music industry.
Obonyo: What are you outspoken about and how are you using radio to champion action?
Bishar: I’m a champion for women and young people. I’m using my voice to make sure they have a seat at the table, and a meaningful one at that. Bye bye to the era of tokenism.
Obonyo: How can radio be used to champion different causes in Africa?
Bishar: Radio is probably the best media tool for education on the continent [Africa]. It’s in every homestead and institution. This means any and all civic education should start with radio.
Radio must also be protected from interference and political influence — this way audience trust is not eroded and radio isn’t co-opted.
Obonyo: What can you tell readers around the world about the power of radio?
Bishar: Despite living in the time of the internet, radio is still the most consumed media in Africa. We’re squarely in the age of streaming and podcasts but radio is still the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) of media.
The way forward right now is to merge new and old so no one is left behind. When the reach of traditional media meets the amplification of the internet, we’ll have something truly special on our hands.
[Related: “How Radio Is Engaging Young People Across Africa“]
