Angela Wambui rediscovers her roots in Kenya

Summary

Angela Wamboy Moire, a radio news anchor at Capital FM in Nairobi and a fashion entrepreneur, reflects on her unique upbringing and career journey. Raised in the U.S., she navigated two cultures, American and Kenyan. Her unplanned move to Kenya led her to a career in radio, where she learned about Kenya's politics and its people's struggles and triumphs. Angela emphasizes the impact of radio, the challenges of creativity in Nairobi, and the hustle culture. She encourages those considering moving back home to embrace the experience, emphasizing personal growth and the potential for new opportunities.

Takeaways

• 😀 Angela Wamboy Moire is a radio news anchor at Capital FM in Nairobi, Kenya, and a fashion entrepreneur.
• 😀 She was born and raised in the U.S. and has experienced living in two different cultures—American and Kenyan.
• 😀 Angela's parents emphasized staying connected to her Kenyan roots, despite growing up in the U.S.
• 😀 Her journey to Kenya and into radio was unplanned, but she was encouraged by someone to try radio, leading to her audition and instant job offer.
• 😀 Through her role as a news anchor, Angela has gained a deep understanding of Kenya's politics, struggles, and triumphs.
• 😀 Radio allows Angela to impact a wide audience, reaching people in their cars, living rooms, salons, and more.
• 😀 Angela is amazed by the recognition she receives from listeners who recognize her voice in public spaces, showing the power of radio.
• 😀 Nairobi is described as a vibrant, fast-paced city, similar to New York, where people come to make their dreams happen.
• 😀 The city offers ample opportunities for growth, creativity, and trying out new things, such as Angela's ventures in fashion and radio.
• 😀 Angela values the hustle mentality Nairobi instills, which has inspired her to pursue multiple entrepreneurial endeavors.
• 😀 She encourages those thinking about moving back to Kenya to plan ahead, give themselves time to adjust, and be open to growth, even if it means discovering it's not the right fit for them.

Q & A

How does Angela describe her experience of growing up in two cultures?

Angela describes her experience of growing up in two cultures as a constant balancing act. At school, she lived her American lifestyle, but once at home, she was immersed in the Kenyan mindset, especially with the influence of Kenyan foods like yamachomo. Her parents always reminded her not to forget where she comes from.

What led Angela to join radio, and how did she feel about it?

Angela's journey into radio was unplanned. While visiting Kenya, someone suggested she try radio. Initially skeptical, she decided to audition and was hired on the spot. She was surprised by the opportunity, as she hadn't considered radio as a career before.

What has Angela learned from her role as a news anchor in Kenya?

As a news anchor, Angela has gained a deeper understanding of Kenya's politics and the struggles and triumphs of its people. Her role has provided her with valuable insights into the daily lives of Kenyans.

How does Angela describe the impact of radio on listeners?

Angela highlights the far-reaching impact of radio, noting that it touches people in their cars, living rooms, and salons, especially during rush hour traffic. She finds it humbling and fascinating when listeners recognize her voice in public.

What does Angela mean by 'radio is the theater of the mind'?

Angela refers to radio as 'the theater of the mind' because radio engages listeners' imagination, allowing them to visualize and experience stories through sound and voice alone, without the need for visual elements.

How does Angela describe Nairobi in relation to her personal and professional life?

Angela compares Nairobi to New York in the sense that it is a city where people come to make their dreams happen. She appreciates Nairobi's growing market and its potential for trial and error, which has allowed her to pursue both fashion and radio.

What role has Nairobi played in Angela's creativity and career?

Nairobi has been a city that challenged Angela's creativity, offering her opportunities she never imagined. The city's vibrant atmosphere pushed her to explore new ventures, including fashion and radio, and helped her develop her entrepreneurial skills.

What advice does Angela give to anyone considering moving back to Kenya?

Angela advises those thinking about moving to Kenya to plan ahead and give themselves enough time to adjust. Within a year, they should have a clearer idea of whether it's the right move for them, but even if it's not, they will still grow as a person.

What does Angela mean by Nairobi teaching her 'the art of hustling'?

Angela refers to Nairobi teaching her 'the art of hustling' because the city encourages hard work, resilience, and adaptability. It’s a place where you can experiment, learn from mistakes, and pursue multiple opportunities.

How has Angela’s perception of herself changed since joining radio?

Angela’s perception of herself has evolved as she realized the power of her voice and its ability to connect with people. Her role as a radio personality has made her more aware of her influence and the impact she can have on listeners.