Jalang'o Recalls Losing Dad Same Day He Landed Prestigious Kiss 100 Job

• Jalang'o looked back on his humble beginnings at Kenya National Theatre, where a single narration gig planted the seed for a future in media
• When he eventually got an interview at Kiss 100, he faced a room full of degree holders and media veterans, but it was his bold confidence that left the panel stunned
• Just as he was celebrating being picked for the biggest radio show in the country, a phone call from home brought everything to a halt

Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang'o, has opened up about one of the most bittersweet moments of his life.

How did Jalang'o end up at Kiss 100?

Speaking during an episode of Lessons at 30 with Dr Ofweneke, the former comedian and radio presenter shared the emotional story of how he secured a coveted spot at Kiss 100 FM, only to learn of his father’s passing just moments later.

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Jalas began by taking fans down memory lane, reminiscing about his early days at the Kenya National Theatre, where he first discovered the power of his voice.

His narration skills landed him initial gigs, paving the way for his role on Papa Shirandula, which eventually launched him into the limelight.

"My fellow actors and I began getting attention from radio stations. Most joined Q FM, but I had my eyes set on Kiss 100," he said.

He recalled the competitive audition process at the radio station, which began with hundreds of applicants being divided by academic qualifications.

"The day of the interview at Kiss, I found the place packed. First, they divided us into two groups, those with degrees and those without. I joined the degree holders. Then again, they split us into those with communication degrees and those without, I still made it through. Then they added that anyone with TV or radio experience had an upper hand," Jalang’o recounted.

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Eventually, he made it to the main interview room, where media moguls Caroline Mutoko and Patrick Quarcco were seated.

That’s when he decided to play his boldest card.

"I told them, ‘All those qualifications you’re looking for, I don’t have any, but I’m the guy you need.’ Patrick Quarcco said, ‘I like this guy’s confidence. Let’s try him.’ That moment changed my life. If PQ hadn’t said that, my radio career wouldn’t have started."

As the interview process continued, candidates were tested and eliminated one by one until only Jalang’o and Larry Asego remained.

The two wished each other luck, only to both be picked to co-host Kiss 100’s flagship breakfast show, replacing Nyambane.

However, just as Jalang’o was soaking in the news of his big break, he received the news of his father's death.

"It was that exact moment that my brother called me to say our dad had passed away. I took a short break before going on air to go and bury him. I think he waited until things had worked," he said.

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Watch the video below:

Here are some reactions from social media users to his story.

@washy2546:

"If you have never been with Jalas on one on One you will never understand him this guy watch him keenly he might be the president we have been waiting for."

@DniceMuindi:

"Aki I love this Guy... I remember the first time I saw Him... Walai nilifeel poa kumsalimia kwa mkono... I have been jalongos fun manze toka Kitambo... Nakupenda mhesh."

@augustinenjagi6255:

"I love Jalas I can listen to his story forever I have watched each interview he has done."

@isaiahmoenga6685:

"I will listen to Jalang'o all day all day."

Why Mbote Njogu wants to work for Jalang’o

In other news, Facebook influencer Mbote Njogu made a public appeal to Jalang’o, asking for a job.

Njogu opened up about the challenges he was facing, admitting that life had become unbearable.

He even compared his situation to that of Jalang’o’s gardener, Eli Omundu Khumundu, suggesting that Eli appeared to be living more comfortably than he was.

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Njogu said he had reached a point where hardship had left him with few options.

His video quickly made the rounds online, prompting humorous reactions from netizens, some of whom speculated that Njogu’s interest in the job might not be entirely about employment at Jalang’o’s residence.

Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke