Kish originally wanted to study music, but pressure to pursue a more conventional career led her towards journalism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI really wanted to study music and pursue it as a career, but African parents often see that as just a hobby; you need an \u2018actual\u2019 career. So I thought, what\u2019s the closest thing to music? Media.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up in a strict home with a 6:30 p.m. curfew, she looked for opportunities beyond school. Kish auditioned for her university radio station and began hosting a morning show, marking the beginning of her broadcasting career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of her most memorable moments came when she won an audition for commercial radio in Kenya. More than 100 people had participated, with about 20 finalists waiting on stage for the results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhen I saw my face and name on the screen, I was screaming and crying. Someone next to me was also crying because they didn\u2019t get it. So, I was caught between celebrating and feeling bad for them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From Kenya to Rwanda<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When Kish\u2019s family moved to Rwanda eight years ago after her mother secured a job in the country, she remained in Kenya to complete university before eventually deciding to relocate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMy parents encouraged me. They would say, \u2018You\u2019ve been in the industry for a long time. Move, because change is good.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kigali has since become a place where she feels comfortable and secure. She appreciates its hills, fresh air and the freedom to walk around without constantly worrying about her safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe views, the hills, the fresh air. You can walk around freely. The security. In some places in Kenya I wouldn\u2019t walk around holding my phone openly. I love that I can feel safe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Different media cultures<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Kish describes Kenya\u2019s broadcasting industry as fast-paced and highly competitive, while Rwanda\u2019s is calmer and more structured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThey do disruptive things you wouldn\u2019t necessarily expect in broadcast media, and somehow it works. In Rwanda it\u2019s a bit more calm and grounded. There\u2019s structure and a clear way of doing things. It\u2019s good to be upbeat, but it\u2019s also good to be level-headed. It\u2019s a nice balance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Broadcasting has also challenged Kish to grow personally. Although she considers herself introverted and shy, the profession has taught her to communicate confidently and find creative ways to capture audiences\u2019 attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou can\u2019t say the same thing the same way it\u2019s always been said. You have to find a hook, a way to tell a story, how to be interesting and attract attention.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kish says managing public opinion remains another challenge, particularly when criticism begins to affect confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhen people see and hear you, they always have opinions. Sometimes those get into your head and you start doubting if you\u2019re good enough. It\u2019s about learning to block out the noise.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n A childhood love for music<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Music has been part of Kish\u2019s life since childhood. One song she remembers singing repeatedly at home was Alicia Keys\u2019 Falling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhen I was about eight, I wrote down the lyrics. Listening and singing it made me know I wanted to do music for the rest of my life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her experience as both a musician and presenter helps her approach conversations about the entertainment industry from different perspectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She understands the creative process, from songwriting and recording to performing and recognising musical influences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAs an artist I know the process: going to the studio, writing, performing. I can tell you when a song was sampled from another. That knowledge lets me go deeper in conversations about music and the industry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kish believes African music is gaining international recognition through collaborations and tours that increasingly include African destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe\u2019ve stuck to our roots. The richness of our culture is amazing, and I hope we don\u2019t lose it even as we collaborate. Honestly, we\u2019re doing amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her advice to young creatives is to remain authentic rather than imitate others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBe yourselves. Be authentic. You can get inspired by someone, but don\u2019t try to be exactly like them. There are billions of people in the world but only one you. Do it for the right reasons, don\u2019t lose yourself, and remember you\u2019re here because you can do it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.igihe.com\/en\/2026\/10\/KKKK.jpg\")
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