The last few months have been quite difficult for Nairobi's Hope FM. The station has seen a completely new set of radio presenters this year on their prime slots. Morning show presenter Yafesi Musoke left the station to pursue a career in Advertising while evening drive time presenter Njugush of the K-krew also left the slot. Meet Andrew Alovi, the new man behind Hope FM's Morning Show called Activate. He has also featured prominently on the monthly Artists Breakfast meetings at Pneuma Church.

Andrew Alovi

Tell us a little about yourself
Well I am a Maseno University graduate in Creative and Performing Arts. My vocation is in the field of Drama and Theatre.

How did you get your foot into the radio business?
Last year (2007), while working on a play, I met a pal who worked here (Hope FM). He told me they were looking for a producer and host of a friday night live political talk show. I told him I was interested and he took me to the then Head of Programming. On meeting her, I realised it was Monica who at that point was at the same time a cast member in the play I was directing! She interviewed me, gave me the job. In Dec, I handled election updates for the station while broadcasting hope messages during the post-election crisis. In January 2008, I was given a new contract as a full time presenter and music scheduler. I have since then hosted Shangilia, Songs of Faith and Inspiration, once sat in for Njugush on Route 104, and now Activate.

Tell us about your family. How it was growing up and the schools you attended
The striking thing about my family is that I have no sisters. Anyway I am the second born in a family of 4 boys.My dad passed on when I was in form 1 in high school (Kakamega High School). This was a very trying moment and 10 years on we are still trying to recover. You know being boys, he did everything for us. Our mom had no clue about most stuff concerning us since when we did anything wrong, it was out dad who dealt with us. After his death, which was an abrupt and sudden one through a road accident, it was like we started everything all over again. Starting to know who our mom is as she learns who we are. Our dad heavily supported us financially since my mom is a primary school teacher. Our lifestyle took an abrupt change financially.

Andrew Alovi

A month before I finished campus, I was approached by a lady who was just beginning a theatre company and wanted it to be Christian based. She wanted me to direct her plays. I accepted, though the first three months served as my internship. It was during this season that I joined Hope FM.
 

Pole for your loss. How was the response when you were given the biggest radio slot on Hope FM? What are the challenges you're facing? BTW, is Monica still head of radio?
Yup, Monica is still station manager. Well I can say the response hasn't been that bad. Personally I was prepared psychollogically coz Yafesi had mentioned more than once that he would suggest I take over Activate should he be on leave or something like that. The challenge is to maintain the standards. I had done a talk show and a worship show, but not a drive show. I had to ensure that I maintain the standards of a drive show, especially after Yafesi. On my part, it is an opportunity for growth. I thank God for this not so easy an opportunity to come by and i will make the best of it while it lasts.

Got a girlfriend?
I have a very lovely lady in my life called Angela.

Andrew Alovi and Angie

What are your future plans?
Future plans....very many. I intend to further my studies. Actually I am just on an academic recess as I try find out what I need to study for my Masters that will be releveant to me and my vision.

Andrew Alovi's morning show "Activate" airs every weekday at 6-9am and is heard in Nairobi, Mombasa and Western Kenya on Hope FM. You can listen to the show online at www.hopefm.org from 11pm EST

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