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Charese Fruge’ (@MCMediaonline) Talks To Shine Begho
June 14, 2022
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Shine Begho Usanga is a senior on-air Radio Presenter currently with Max102.3 FM Lagos, Nigeria. Her radio career started in 2008 when she was told by a family friend who was already a radio host that she could never achieve being a presenter on radio because she was already a television presenter. She decided to prove him wrong. “The first radio station that interviewed me put me on air immediately that same day and since then I have never looked back, with lots of awards and nominations to show for it,” says Shine. “Before joining Maxfm Lagos I worked with top radio stations across Lagos, Nigeria with Max102.3 FM being radio number 8 according to my count. I still host various television shows and host entertainment shows and events. I'm not just a radio or television host but also a producer and a content creator for both radio and television.”
“I was born in the year 1985 in Delta state Nigeria, lost my mom as a toddler, so my dad was always there for me, including playing the mother role,” says Shine. “My father was a Chief Justice and well respected in the Law industry even though he is late now, his legacy still lives on, through his cases and those he saved. I studied mass communication in university and graduated in 2007 with a BA. I Got married in 2015, in 2016 I lost my son due to preeclampsia and in 2019 I welcomed a beautiful baby girl.”
“In addition to my radio job, I have a beauty/skincare podcast called ‘Beauty and The Tips with Shine,’ BTS for short, where I talk with my guests about skincare issues, products, trends etc.,” says Shine. “I am also an influencer, especially for beauty and skin care brands. If a brand thinks my brand is good enough to join forces with them, I accept their partnership, depending on what's involved. I am also a voice over artist, I have voiced various radio jingles and television TVC for top brands in Nigeria and some international brands.”
Over the course of Shine’s 14-year career in radio, she has experienced some pretty exciting things. “From winning numerous awards either as a presenter of the year or best radio show of the year, I have hosted shows and concerts outside Nigeria,” she explains. “I'm talking, United States of America and some countries in Europe, and I first met my husband where I went to host a fashion show. Radio and Television have made me a respected public figure in Nigeria, and I really appreciate the way people look up to me and also take my input seriously. I'm still working towards my biggest accomplishment and will let you know when I achieve it.”
Shine has also had the opportunity to work with some great mentors that we in the U.S. may not be aware of. “I have worked with so many people in the industry, but a few stand out for me, my former radio co-host Emmanuel Essien also known as Mannie, and Producer and Director Yemi Bigspin,” she says. “These two men I have learned and gained a lot from in the media business. Of course, there are other people, but these men stand out the most for me.”
“One of the biggest challenges I've experienced in the business is being underpaid for my skills and wealth of experience,” says Shine. “So, what do I do, I leave the organization if they don’t want to come to terms with me and move to another organization that will treat me better and with a better pay. The truth is this is a circle that is constant in Lagos, Nigeria, a lot of radio stations don’t want to pay good money for the services you are going to render on the radio. A lot of times radio show hosts are on self-discovery to know their worth.”
For women looking to get into the radio business, Shine offers this advice. “Ladies that want to make it in the radio industry should be prepared mentally and be ready to compete with other presenters. You should also acquire other skills apart from just hosting a radio show, you should be creative on and off radio, be able to market your shows too and be a good storyteller. Look for something that will help you stand out from the crowd and stay true to your craft. Have the best interest of your organization and always go the extra mile.”
As for the personal side of Shine, one thing you’d be surprised to know about her is she loves Korean drama and culture. “Now I'm learning to speak Korean. And I love watching Japanese anime too,” she says. In her spare time, she watches Korean dramas on Netflix and goes shopping for clothes or skin care products or just chills at a bar or restaurant to have a good time eating with friends and family or even alone, depending on her mood.
“Right now, I'm binging on a Korean drama called Black Knight, I'm curious to know how it will end,” says Shine. “My favorite shows are AGT, and The Voice and the rest are all Korean, my favorite Korean drama which I have seen almost ten times is 'Descendants of the Sun' and a Japanese anime called 'One Piece.’ Now I'm waiting for the latest episode to come out so I can binge on it.” The things that keep Shine up at night are: “If it's not work, like creating something amazing for social media, then it's my daughter, especially when she is ill, or a Korean dramal.”
As for what we have to look forward to from Shine, she’s going to be pretty busy with both her career and her side passions. “I have so many projects, I recently launched my initiative called the Shine Begho Initiative and what we do is create awareness for the deadly killer pregnancy condition called preeclampsia.” she says. “Earlier I mentioned I lost my son in 2016. That was due to preeclampsia. Luckily, I survived but he didn't, he died 11 days after birth, so now I'm spreading the awareness about it and raising funds to pay for antenatal care for women who can't afford it because antenatal is an important step when pregnant and preeclampsia can easily be detected. The initiative's goal is to save not one but two lives (mother and unborn child).
Follow Shine on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and TikTok: @shinebegho and on Instagram: @preeclampsia_Africa
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