Don’t pour your heart out on FB

At 23, the Mbarara University Information Technology graduate is a music director at Mbarara’s Crooze FM where he also works as a radio presenter, popularly known as DJ EDWYN among his fan base.

How, and when did you get into radio?
Well, I started like everyone else. I had the desire and passion, I remember trying so hard to get into radio during my Senior Six vacation but things didn’t quite work out. I was told I wasn’t ready. In my second year at University, I responded to a call by Crooze FM for a radio presenter. When I was put on air, I remained focused and hardworking, grew through the ranks and I’m now a Music Director at the station. So, you can say my journey started in June 2013, and I have no idea when it will end because I love what I do.

Do you find radio presenting fulfilling?
It is actually very fulfilling. I get paid to do what I love and there is nothing better than that. What I like most is that I get to talk to so many people from different regions at a time, and get to make them happy. I love it when someone tells me I made their day when they listened to my show, or mix tape.

Are radio presenters born or they are made?
I believe they are born. Many people have gone to Journalism school and studied every bit of radio presenting but they cannot even host a show, and I know so many other people who have never been to a journalism school and they are some of the best in the business, including me (Chuckles….). So, I think it’s more about talent, the training is just a bonus.

What quality would you say has made you a good radio presenter?
I think it is the fact that I respect my listeners and treat them like they are my real life friends. I don’t really know most of my listeners in real life but when I’m on the radio, I try to be as friendly as possible. It is this “cool guy” personality that has drawn many people in and earned me followers on Facebook and Twitter.

Has radio brought you a bit of fame and do girls notice you more now?
(Blushing…) Sure, it has brought me the fame. I happen to be the reigning Radio Personality in the region having won two awards in a row for that category, so the fame is there. And, of course, fame and female attention come hand in hand.

How do you handle the ladies who may approach you because of your status?
I have been in this for a while now and I think I have come to learn how to handle them without coming off as rude. I just try to keep it slow and professional and I also keep my distance as much as possible.

Were you born here in Mbarara?
My family originates from Rwanda, but I think I was born in Mbarara and I have lived here all my life. It is a very beautiful place with warm and friendly people. The general lifestyle is posh and semi-urban. I love it!

What about the girls, is Mbarara Uganda’s beauty capital or is that a mere exaggeration?
(Laughing….) Mbarara is home to Uganda’s most beautiful women, no doubt. Here, you cannot say the beautiful ones are not yet born because beautiful girls get born every day in Mbarara. The moment you get off the bus you are knocked out cold by a rush of beauty.

By the way, what kind of person are you?
I’m basically the cool guy next door—friendly, down-to-earth, and fun. I’m a bit shy out of radio, and I like staying at home, I don’t usually show up at social events. But I generally like to be happy, and to see people around me happy.

What is your fashion style?
I’m a persistent street wear stylist. Anything simple, casual and smart does it for me. I also like watches, dark shades and leather shoes.

What kind of clothes do you like?

I wear loose-fitting jeans a lot because I like to dress casually. Actually, I don’t think I have anything else other than jeans, T-shirts and checkered shirts in my closet. I just feel comfortable in them.

Do you think men should invest so much time in their clothes like women do?
Yes, I believe a man should look good. A man should be clean and smart because your looks determine the kind of person you are.

Do you have a girlfriend?
Yes, I’m seeing someone. But I would rather not get into details because things are a little complicated at the moment.

What kind of women impress you?
I’m fascinated by women who are smart, intelligent, patient and understanding. I also get impressed by women who respect themselves.

Of late, the roles in relationships are changing. Would you let a woman pay rent to a house you share with her?
True, roles are changing, but I would only let her pay the rent if I was broke and she asked to help. I believe a man should take care of his woman if he has the financial ability to do so.

What do you think about the trend of people expressing love interest on social media?
I don’t think it is okay at all. I would never do that. I would probably understand if a lady did that but not a man. It is wrong! As a man, if you are in love with someone, you should be able to approach them and express your feelings. If you wrote on social media, either somebody will think you are not serious, or are just desperate for attention.

What are the main mistakes men make when approaching women to express their love?
I believe most women like realistic men, and most men make a mistake of telling lies when they approach women. There is no point in telling a lie just to impress someone for the moment, when they will find out later. So, I would advise men to be truthful right from the start. Be yourself. That way, you have a better shot at finding genuine love.

Tell us about your radio work
Being a music director at the station, I’m always busy on weekdays so I don’t get time to go on air.

For this reason, I only host shows on weekends. First, I host Your Choice, a show where I play people’s song requests. I think it’s the show people love the most.

It airs on Sunday 2pm to 5pm. I also host the African Rhythms. This one airs every Saturday, from 5pm to 8pm. And finally, I feature as a Deejay on The Lounge every Friday from 2pm to 4pm. This show is hosted by Cynthia.