I recently asked on my facebook page Mwalimu Rachel what you would want me to blog about. This follows a story I recently posted about being a good blogger (see! I too apply what I learn here!) Check out the screen shot below with some of the feedback…
So here’s what I am going to do. I will start with Benson’s request. I will tell you how I became Mwalimu Rachel.
Becoming Mwalimu Rachel was a progressive chain of events. When I joined HBR in 2007, I was just Rachel. The “sports monkey” as G Money nicknamed me because I presented the sports news. Due to my bubbly personality, I was asked to join a Homeboyz TV Production called Homegrown that would air on KBC TV. Which I did. I loved the music show. I got to enjoy and champion Kenyan music as I danced away on live TV! That made me happy.
On the flip side, I was getting better on radio, more confident and learning from the likes of Nick Ndeda, Kui Gitei, Sheila Rabala- remember them?
This is where you’ll know how I landed the show called 1-2-4 at that time… Nick Ndeda was the presenter back then in 2006. After leaving for Hot 96 (can’t remember when exactly) Kui Gitei, (one in gold dress in the HBR Crew pic) jumped on the afternoon slot and then later in 2009(geez! been that long?) I inherited the show after she left for Capital FM. (Or as #KOT says…Capiroooool. Hahaha!)
At this time, as you can imagine, many were curious to find out how I would perform since I was literally “thrown into the deep end”. You see, at the time Kui was on 1-2-4, I was on a late night show with Della Mbaya and Austin Chimano called After Party Live. Then Chimano told us he had to leave radio and concentrate on this small band called Sauti Sol. Della and I went 🙄 🙄🙄🙄 and wished him all the best.
So! There I was, in my boss’s office as he asked me whether I was ready to take up the afternoon slot. I didn’t feel ready but I said YES! and proceeded to tell him the new features I would introduce to the show to make it more…ME. More Kiswahili, more “lessons” more…”Classy” in fact, I wanted to change the name of the show to Class1-2-4. Never in the history of radio had this been done. My boss gave me a nervous look…LOL! I will never forget that look. I understood though, and I reassured him it would work. That was the birth of #Class124.
Take a minute to VOTE for Class 124 as Most Social Radio Show! Click HERE and follow instructions on the poster below.
*Look out for Part 2 of this story and find out how my brand Mwalimu Rachel began to get recognition. *
The journey has been amazing and I’m glad I was and still part of the transition. Through 124 I made numerous friends. Friends for keeps… The show has changed lives. You have changed lives. With all that may our good Lord continue blessing you.
Thank you Ruth! So happy to know that you have made good friends. Humbled to learn of the impact the show has had on the masses! God bless!
Ok…my eyes are tearing….stooooop! Lol. Thank you Ruth. I am doing this so you and others can inspire others. So do that! That is all I ask in return. Blessings!
Woah Woah Woah Woow.Firs,that’s an excellent article(rusungu nayo iko on point kama decimal)
One lesson I’ve learnt from your article is,every successful person starts from a humble beginning,ie you started as a sport’s anchor(sporty monkey This guy G Money though)to a late night show to a (can I call it Prime time) Afternoon show.Really that must have involved a lot of hardwork and dedication.
But one thing that has amazed me is the fact you join HBr in 2007.By then I was in Standard/Class Six(6)
Mad Respect Mwalimu #MRX
Can’t wait to read on Part 2
hahahah! Thank you for this! Yes I started working as an intern at Homeboyz Radio while still in Uni. You were in Class 6?!!! woi! I don’t feel old at all! hahaha!
Hahahhahah! Yeeees John! Sports Monkey! I used to get so upset but later realised that was G’s way of just being funny and cool with me. He didn’t give anyone else a nick name but me. I feel special. hahaha! Yes, the journey hasn’t been easy.But I have enjoyed it even through the hard work. I wish the same for other young peeps out there. Thank you for your feedback! I really really appreciate it!
Woah Woah Woah Woow.Firs,that’s an excellent article(rusungu nayo iko on point kama decimal)
One lesson I’ve learnt from your article is,every successful person starts from a humble beginning,ie you started as a sport’s anchor(sporty monkey This guy G Money though)to a late night show to a (can I call it Prime time) Afternoon show.Really that must have involved a lot of hardwork and dedication.
But one thing that has amazed me is the fact you join HBr in 2007.By then I was in Standard/Class Six(6)
Mad Respect Mwalimu #MRX
Can’t wait to read on Part 2
I’ve been following your shows since you were on ghetto radio but this blog has given me a lime light.. Im currently studying radio journalism at the Zetech university and dream to work at power 106LA.Your blog posts inspires me also your shows gives me a headstart of facing tommorow.. I wish you all the best Mwalimu you are my radio idol and God is going to Make a better Rachel that we have more and more episodes of being Mwalimu Rachel
Thank you so much! I truly appreciate you. We will definitely make more history!
Gosh! Please don’t make me all emotional! Lol! So humbled by your words Marita! God bless you and all the best in your studies! DREAM BIG! Let your dreams SCARE YOU! And then go out there and grab them!I pray for your strength, courage and wisdom!
What I love about Rachel is that she is humble and a go-getter. She is immensely talented and never shys away from telling the youth especially how best they can use their talents. I remember watching Homegrown on KBC for the first time and was like “Waaah si huyu dame anaongea sana” ,Mwalimu is now a brand name and a lesson to many of us young… “Success and patience are partners, you loose one and you are done” Congrats Mwalimu. One day I will write a book about her.
These words are so powerful. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am indeed very passionate about the youth and want to inspire them to aspire to be MORE. I love what you have said…”Success and patience are partners….” Let me know when you are ready to write that book! I’m sure it will be a good seller!
Wooooow woooow…Mwalimu this is awesome,where we start doesn’t matter,where we going to is all that matters i love this.you are the reason why i stream live class 1-2-4.
I first saw you around 2010 on Homegrown and never missed the show every Sunday. I always tuned in just to see you smiling and dancing. I was very sad when you left but followed you on radio. Hope to see you on TV again soon!
Awwww! Thank you Mwas! Such is life, change is inevitable. I loved Homegrown too! Since then I have hosted The Couples Show on K24, as well as Unaitas Top Chama Show on Citizen Tv. I believe more TV shows shall come calling soon and you will get to see me on screen again 🙂
mwalimu…new fan here…i love the show… very organized artist.
Thank you Butcha and welcome to my website!