G Money is a radio presenter and DJ with almost 20 years broadcasting experience. He began by running a pirate radio station in London in the early 90s. In 2002 he joined the BBC’s 1Xtra radio station where he was one of the launch presenters. 2007 Saw him moving to Nairobi to escape what he calls the “rat race” that London is. He know proudly considers Kenya home.
Not G Money
We had a few questions for him and this is what he had to say.
1. What was your first phone?
My first phone was a Nokia Cityman. I bought it was my second pay cheque. The phone by standards now was a big as a Hummer.
Nokia Cityman. Image
Via
2. What do you prefer? Facebook or Twitter? Why?
I think they both serve their purposes. Twitter is almost like a micro journal and as such if used without thought can be like hanging your laundry over a smoky bonfire. I guess you just have to be responsible using social media. I have learnt to just be careful. I try not to offend people but sometimes it just happens inadvertently
3. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years time I hope to be happy with what I’ve accomplished. I’m one of those people who always needs to be moving forward. 2012 was a very hard year for me so I hope the next few years see a continued pace of development. At some point I’d like to own a restaurant though so we shall see.
4. Any question for us? We’ll publish our answer as well
Why do you think people see reading for pleasure as weird?
I think it has to do with our education system. We are conditioned to believe that reading is only for passing exams. Also, a lot of us were chastised as kids for reading novels instead of textbooks in school, hence we end up finding the whole pleasure in reading scenario strange. Reading for pleasure is rarely encouraged.
5. What would you do if you were president for a day?
If I was president for a day. I grant myself an extension of tenure! Seriously though, I’d reform the education system, abolish boarding school. Let people raise their kids.
6. Whats your favourite book & movie?
My favourite book is clichéd: The Alchemist. It’s my favourite book because of where I was in my life when I read it. It’s natural at some point in your life to question your existence. When I read this book I had everything that was supposed to make one happy, the materialistic things anyway, yet felt something more was out there. In a funny way coming to live in Africa has helped me complete that circle and the quest for answers.
Favourite movie: The Star Wars Saga. I don’t think that needs further explanation. The greatest cinematic opus ever! Plus Yoda was the DON! Matrix Trilogy is a close second.
7. Who/What inspired you to do what you do now?
I have always wanted to do radio. I never entertained any thoughts of doing anything else. I was that kid who had to have a radio with him. Growing up in Jamaica at a time when radio was king. The presenters who inspired me were people like the late Free I and also a guy called Barry G. The first radio station I ever went into as a kid was JBC in Jamaica. The presenter there was a guy called Tony Young. 20 years later he was the programme controller of a station called KLAS FM also in Jamaica which is a sports and lifestyle station. I was covering the World Cup in Germany for BBC 1Xtra and because of the chance he gave me as a kid. I covered the World Cup for his station for free!
My grandmother who passed earlier this year was also a very inspirational figure in my life. Smartest and most loving person I’ve ever met. I’m truly blessed to have shared my life journey with her.
8. If you were to change jobs, what profession would you get into? Why?
I would definitely be a teacher. The impact that teachers have had on my own life. I’d like to share that. I teach in the HBR radio academy here and I am happy to say that some of the talent you hear on air now have passed through those doors. Also as I mentioned I’d love to own a restaurant.
9. If you had a superpower, what would it be?
Would have to be the ability to fly. No more airline tickets.
10. If you were deserted on an abandoned island what 5 things would you want to have?
- iPad with my favourite books/Music
- Razor Blades (my beard grows too fast)
- Angie Stone. She looks like she can cook up a meal from anything!
- Tools – Gonna need to build stuff lol
- DSTV WALKA (I’m the brand ambassador I have to say that:-)
11. If you were a car, what car would you like to be? Why?
BMW. It’s just a perfect brand. Lol.
12. If you could be in any band in the world, which one would you like to be in? Why?
That’s would have to be Bob Marley and Wailers. The way they took the Jamaican culture around the world is phenomenal.
Bob Marley and The Wailers
13. What’s the craziest thing you have ever seen on stage when you were deejaying?
Craziest gig was in Stockholm on Sweden. Suffice it to say I was supposed to be there for one night and ended up there for four days ….. Read into that what you will 🙂
14. Share something interesting about yourself with our readers.
I think that people confuse my sense of humour with arrogance. I actually consider myself socially inept. I don’t function well in crowds. Growing up I was extremely shy and used to lose myself in books. I hate the limelight to this day. I’ve learnt to adapt. I try to live my life so that when my time comes I can be proud, not just of my achievements but also of the impact I’ve made on ordinary people’s lives. I work hard and hope that inspires others to live their own dreams.