Media personality and entrepreneur Kpekpo Maxwell Justice, popularly known as KMJ, has opened up about the defining moments that inspired and shaped his journey into radio journalism.
Speaking on The Career Trail program on Joy Learning TV and Joy News, KMJ recounted how renowned Ghanaian broadcaster Kwame Sefa Kayi played a pivotal role in encouraging him to pursue a career in radio.
Though he initially dreamt of becoming a footballer, KMJ said his passion for broadcasting grew steadily, influenced by his upbringing.
“My dad was an avid fan of radio and TV. Every morning, I woke up to the sound of news and commentary. That sparked my interest. I became passionate about letting people hear my voice. I realized I had a nice voice, so I made the decision to quit football, he said.
That decision, however, came at a cost. KMJ revealed that his father was deeply disappointed when he abandoned football.
“I had a fight with my dad when I told him I didn’t want to play football anymore. He was very angry. I had to get my uncle and mother to plead on my behalf, because I needed his support to pursue radio,” he recalled.
His father, though still displeased, finally agreed to support him. Through his father’s connections, he was introduced to the manager of Shalom Radio in Berekum, a longtime friend of his father. That marked his first exposure to the practical world of broadcasting.
“He wasn’t happy, but he agreed to speak to the manager. I went to the station, and the manager introduced me to the DJ who hosted the Drive Time show. That was my first time entering a studio,” he noted.
For two months, KMJ apprenticed under the DJ, carrying CDs, attending meetings, and learning the ropes of the industry.
Eventually, he felt it was time to take the next big step.
“I told my aunt I wanted to move to Accra. She helped me relocate. When I got there, I didn’t know where to start from. I didn’t want to go back home as a failure,” he revealed.
It was during this uncertain time in Accra that a major turning point happened. His father, still distant but silently supportive, called him home. That visit led to an introduction that changed everything.
“When I got home, my dad placed a call to Kwame Sefa Kayi. I didn’t even know he was my uncle. He told him about my interest in radio, and Mr. Sefa Kayi asked me to come and see him when I returned to Accra,” he shared.
True to his word, KMJ met with Kwame Sefa Kayi at the old Peace FM premises. The media legend gave him a listening ear and encouragement that which served as fuel for the journey ahead.
He asked if I was sure about doing radio, and when I said yes, he promised to support me however he could. That moment gave me the motivation I needed to believe I could make it,” he disclosed.
Though Sefa Kayi never secured a job for him at Peace FM, KMJ said he harbored no resentment. The encouragement was more than enough.
“I don’t blame him. His words alone kept me going. Many young people expect those ahead of them to carry them all the way. But that’s not how life works. You have to walk the path yourself,” he emphasized.
Eventually, KMJ secured his first radio job at Vision FM in Koforidua. Years later, life came full circle when he had the opportunity to host Kwame Sefa Kayi during a visit by the Springboard Foundation.
“Mr. Albert Ocran and Sefa Kayi came to Vision FM for an interview and I was the host. Sefa Kayi was proud to see me sitting there, having come so far,” he said.
Source: myjoyonline.com
