The parrot: Isaac Katende alias Kasuku is one radio presenter who has had bitter confrontations with artistes because of his acid tongue. He was involved in a scuffle with Jose Chameleone and his wife Daniela and last year, he was engaged in a fist-fight with BET winner Eddy Kenzo. The presenter talks to his fan Sauya Nassanga.
How best do you describe yourself?
I’m my own man. I take each day as it comes. I’m rude and arrogant but the most humorous and caring person you could ever meet.
Do you speak like a parrot? Where did the name Kasuku come from?
My real name is Isaac Daniel Katende but I got the Kasuku name during my school days after I took it from my deceased friend Brenda Nabachwa. During my journalism school days, I met a group of people that used to do educational drama with Kasuku as their stage name. Brenda was their leader and we connected a lot so we decided to make a Memorandum Of Understanding on how to share the benefits and expand the group into a company called Kasuku Media, but unfortunately she died in the 2010 Kyadondo bomb blasts. I took on the name for remembrance and keeping her proud.
Many artistes hate you because you say lots of negative things against them on radio. Why do you use coarse language?
Many artistes are naive and ignorant and my sole purpose as a journalist is to do checks and balances but unfortunately they don’t know that these things exist in the real world.
Which artiste do you think hates you the most?
Hahaha … no artiste hates me; this is like politics where you disagree to agree. Artistes get pissed off when you say something negative and when you say something positive about them, they are very fine with you.
Who is you best Ugandan artiste and why?
Currently David Lutalo does it for me but the Goodlyfe boys have my heart. They broke out at a time I was also joining the industry and they have numerous tracks. Their music is exactly what I want to hear anytime of the day.
When do your shows air on Dembe FM?
I present Kasuku Weekdays which airs at 7.30am and 5.30pm, then the Talk and Talk show every Saturday from 10am to midday.
When did you join Dembe FM and what do you love about it?
I joined Dembe in 2011 when it was still in Nakasero and owned by Patrick Bitature and managed by Joel Isabirye. Dembe lets me flap my wings without censoring me. My boss told me in the very beginning to do whatever I want as long as I have facts to back it up.
What do you think lacks in Uganda’s entertainment industry?
What is lacking in the music industry is 100 per cent implementation of the copyright law. Our musicians will earn highly and this money will flow down the chain to everybody that has anything to do with music.
Who is your best radio presenter?
Peter Kibazo. I like his composure and intelligence. He is informed and does a lot of research.
How old are you?
I’m 26. I was born on the Februaty 24, 1989 at Namirembe Hospital.
Who inspired you to join radio?
Omulangira Ndausi of Simba FM had a huge influence on my radio and emceeing career.
Many presenters fear interviewing Frank Gashumba. How come you are so free with him?
Well, Gashumba is as normal as any of us. The difference is that he his open-minded, researches and is ever informed, which I also do.
Is radio presenting a well-paying career?
Radio presenting is a paying job and you can earn more than money depending on your ambition and foresight. You are never paid a lot but the connections you get from it shape your life. Many radio presenters have gone ahead to become MPs, ministers and big people in society all because of the radio platform.
What else do you do?
I have an office (Kasuku Media Ltd) where I run my website artandculture.ug and currently, I’m also working with West Records owned by Eddy Sendi. Sometimes I join John Segawa for a TV show.
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