By Olamide Jasanya
If Metisse Lounge was the right location, then Nigeria Info OAP, Matse Uwatse was the most appropriate for an interview session. In her usual calm manner she reveals to us her many dreams and plans for the future.
She speaks fondly of her former workplace and says she’s ready to bow out of the radio world for a greater calling.
The radio world has been very ‘woman-friendly’ over the years. What do you think is responsible for that?
I would say because the feminine voice is strong and of course, women are known to be soft, which is why guys listen when we speak. We have a way of talking and can penetrate into the hearts and minds of people, [and] if you are an intelligent person, that is another plus for you as an OAP.
To what do you attribute your quick success?
I think my success is factored by my enigma. A lot of people think they know me, but only a few really do. I think my honesty has also helped. I have a habit of speaking plainly and telling things the way they are. I think these little bits and pieces of my personality are what have made me quite successful on the radio.
Why did you ‘dump’ the corporate world for radio?
I was with Bang and Olufsen and I left because I am not a paper person. I wanted to let my hair down. I am a very creative person and my family knew that. While I was very young, I used to paint and write beautifully. I was a very imaginative kid. I used to sit down and start concocting stories and images. All of these were pointers and made it easy for me to know where I ought to be.
Did you experience any fear on your first day on the radio?
I did. Although I studied Languages and Linguistic in school, and I was exposed to both audio and visual lessons, going on air wasn’t as easy as you might think. Pidgin, on the other hand, was never a problem, Warri girl that I am. The major fear was the fact that I was talking to so many people at the same time, unlike one on one, which I was used to. I remember that day I froze and my throat became parched. I was practically squeaking and the MD sent a message that I be yanked off the radio. When I got home that day, I cried. I later found out it was my nervousness and when I decided to shed it and be myself, I had a phenomenal time at Wazobia.
Why then did you leave Wazobia FM?
I realised I had to. I like to grow and I felt it was time to. There were young people coming on Wazobia and they deserve to have their time. For all my mentees, I always was giving them the chance to succeed.
Do you miss Wazobia FM?
No I don’t. I only miss the fans. I miss them because they were loyal and generous. Festive seasons and birthdays, they send so many gifts. That made me discover something in life: people who don’t have money are more generous than those who do. The average man you see is more generous than the rich people you find out there, and I miss them, I miss their encouragement and everything about them. I do not miss Wazobia but I miss the fans.
How easy was it for you to adapt to Nigeria Info?
It wasn’t easy. Nigeria Info is a talk radio station. We talk on different issues, political, social, educational and all. Adapting to the station was not very easy, the brainpower was there but there was something about language. I had a problem, pronunciation became a bit of a problem because the pidgin had overshadowed my other languages, but all I had to do was a little bit of training.
Apart from being an OAP, you paint, write and are into interior decoration. In which of these lies your strength?
They are all quite strong, but where my [greatest] strength lies is cooking. My cooking is amazing.
Have you plans to set up a restaurant?
Yes, in the future
What do you love most about your job?
The people. I love my interactions with people. I live for their insults, commendations and everything they say. I enjoy the good, the bad and ugly comments I get. I’m not scared of criticism. There are some very nasty listeners, but I know how to handle them. I always have a word for everybody, including the nasty ones. When some call in and show that side of them, I [sometimes] decide to keep quiet and then the person has to ask if I’m [still] there, then they realise how stupid they have been.
When do you plan to get married?
Marriage is something I look forward to, but it is not a do or die affair. Sometimes I am scared of it because I ask myself if I can achieve it all with a partner, but at the same time, I want children because I am a huge lover of children. I also want companionship but sometimes I am quite petrified of the idea. I think marriage is amazing and I think when I meet a man who is equally amazing, it will be an awesome experience.
What are the things you look for in a man?
I am not crazy about looks, it’s a plus, but if the guy isn’t intellectually compatible with me, we might [get a] divorce. I love intellectual compatibility a lot.
What do you intend to achieve with your career in radio?
To be honest with you, I think I am slowly coming to an end with radio. I know what I want, I work to a certain extent and then I know when to leave. For now, I will enjoy radio but I will soon leave. I think I have achieved all I need to achieve in radio.
What are you likely to delve into when you leave radio?
Nigeria Info has been like a bedrock of discovery, especially when it gets to knowing my country better. Everyday, I get to know the minds of people and how they react to and relate with certain things, so it’s grooming me for another phase in my life, which by the grace of God is politics in the future. I have a bigger calling. Radio can help identify situations and problems. It can help [share information about] the problem, but it cannot solve the problem. I want to be among those who will solve the problem. I think that is a greater calling. I was born for the greater goodness. I have always been a people person.
Finally, what do you think are the things necessary for a good career on radio?
Be yourself and be ready to be vulnerable. By that, I mean, letting go. Let people do whatever they want to do, but learn to control it. Let the people do whatever they want to do while you let go. It does not mean you are a fool. Let them see sides of you, but be real and honest about it.
