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Lively Channel O presenter uses his TV shows to educate people about Africa

HAVING A BALL: Kabelo 'KB' Ngakane fell in love with the spotlight while working as a trainee music schefduler at M-Net. He now presents two shows on Channel O. © Unknown.
HAVING A BALL: Kabelo 'KB' Ngakane fell in love with the spotlight while working as a trainee music schefduler at M-Net. He now presents two shows on Channel O. © Unknown.

Maryanne Maina

Maryanne Maina

He has graced our TV screens in Africa for more than five years with his lively personality. The dreadlocked Channel O presenter Kabelo Ngakane, who is popularly known as KB, hosts two music shows on the pay channel - Urban Massive and O-boma.

Ngakane fell in love with the spotlight while working as a trainee music scheduler at M-Net, and a year later he was a presenter for the channel.

"My shows are about Africa. Their aim is to educate people, influence them positively, and help in reducing xenophobia in the continent. As a Channel O presenter, you are Africa's ambassador for the young people," explained Ngakane.

He also produces the Urban Massive show. His duties include writing scripts for the show and presenting.

He said: "I go to work one hour earlier to prepare before I present the show. I presented Big Brother Africa II, which ended last month."

His job requires him to know his audience and to be prepared to work long hours.

He said: "You must respect people, know your audience, have a genuine interest in them, and spend time with them.

"You also need to be passionate about the job if you want to succeed. For you to excel at a continental level, you must be a people's person. Be open-minded because it enables you to communicate with people from different countries."

Ngakane studied computer software, but he said learned the tricks of his job while working as a trainee.

He said: "If you are interested in people, you will be able to communicate with them. When you have an interest in them you become friends."

It is a challenge for him to keep himself constantly updated.

"Hip hop is an urban lifestyle which is constantly changing, so it is difficult to remain up-to-date all the time. My working hours can be a bit crazy because I sometimes work very early in the morning," Ngakane said.

But the job has its glamorous perks.

"I have met many people from around the world, such as, Femi Kuti and Will Smith. I travel a lot," Ngakane said. "I get dressed by sponsors and attend parties for free. It feels nice to be appreciated and recognised by people for your work."

He is also involved in charity work as a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador for Southern and East Africa. He also produced the Speak Africa documentary which was broadcast on Channel O.

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