I am not arrogant, I'm just confident - E-curve Presenter, Mike Makori

How did you end up hosting e-curve?

A friend suggested I take part in an online competition called ‘The Next Big Host’ run by Spielworks Media. I got shortlisted for the top 100, top 10 then top 3. I didn’t win, unfortunately. It must have been rigged! (laughs). It was a huge competition with seasoned faces in the industry, like Anita Nderu and Miss Mandii. Months later, I received a call from a producer at KTN who called me for a screen test and the rest, as they say, is history. E-Curve is therefore my first TV stint and it has been two amazing years of constantly growing and continuing to realise my full potential.

What were you doing at the time you took part in the online competition?

I was doing marketing for an NGO. In my younger years, I remember wanting to be a pilot or a news anchor. Switching to TV was therefore an easy decision. I’m looking to venture into news anchoring next.

What’s the most exciting part about your job?

The best part is meeting different people, networking and getting to travel to all these incredible places. I have met various people who’ve been of great influence in my life, more so Dr Chris Kirubi. I once sat down to talk to him and those few moments changed my perspective on a lot of issues. He is a very wise man!

With all the attention that comes from the job, it must be hard finding a balance between work and private life...

When I first started out, I had no idea how to balance all the various aspects of my life and boy did I get schooled! Humility, I must say, is an important quality often overlooked in this industry. I’m glad my mum brought me up to never forget where I came from. Presently, I would say I have split personalities even. You have to separate your brand from your personal life, otherwise you could run mad! When it comes to attention, thing is, I always got that even before TV. Only, it’s now on a larger scale. I have come to learn how to handle it.

What’s that one moment in your career that assured you you were on the right track?

The deepest moment for me was when I got acknowledged by one of the best journalists in the country, Mohammed Ali. In this industry, you will find yourself surrounded by a lot of ‘yes’ men, but Moha called me aside one day and told me I have what it takes to be a news man. I mean, that was Moha! I was in awe.

Any misgivings people have about you?

People have a lot of misgivings about me, but I’ll save that for another day. I’ve been told that I come off as cocky. Simply put, I think you get judged a lot in this country and it wouldn’t do to be timid or not push the envelope. I am a confident man, and it’s easy to confuse that with cockiness.

What else are you involved in on the side?

I emcee a lot and also run a family business. I am a future farmer, currently looking into different prospects on the same. I am passionate about the youth and I’m keen on starting mentorship programmes and motivational speaking. In conclusion,

I am a big believer in setting goals and working to achieve them. Anyone who wants a career in media and has what it takes should certainly go for it. The worst you can be told is ‘no’.