I am still learning -Bola Ray
With his big following on radio, one would have thought that Kwabena Anokye Adisi better known as Bola Ray, host of Drive Time on Joy FM, has achieved it all after being in the radio business for the last 10 years. But the 36-year-old presenter says he is “yet to arrive”.
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Speaking to Showbiz last Friday, Bola Ray said that many presenters would feel OK chalking ten years on radio and leaving a mark but he is not that kind of person.
“I believe in learning and exploring the field that I find myself. There is still much for me to do even though most people think I have paid my dues as a radio presenter.
Talking about how he entered radio, Bola Ray said he was doing his National Service with Radio Univers as an office assistant after graduating from the University Of Ghana majoring in Public Administration when out of the blue his boss asked him to host a programme because the main presenter had an examination to write.
He took up the challenge and the response he had right after his first time as a presenter was marvelous.
After his boss saw what he did, Bola Ray was made to try his hands a few more times whenever the main presenters were not around until he was finally given a slot on Radio Univers.
With the little experience as a presenter at Radio Univers, Bola Ray felt it was time to work for a private radio station so he moved to Top Radio in May 2000 where he hosted Top City Jam for three years. Three years later, Multi Media Group of company poached him to work for Joy FM.
“I was a bit nervous because I heard comments that I wouldn’t be able to make it moving from Top Radio to Joy Fm but with the support of my family I took the challenge and here I am today smiling after 10 years and still learning comment. I give thanks to God for bringing me this far” Bola said.
Bola Ray who believes challenges have made him stronger revealed that, there were times people he trusted disappointed him but he kept his faith in God and moved forward.
According to him, he receives a lot of uncomplimentary comments from people such as the comment that he receives money from big men and that is what has made him rich.
“Apart from Joy FM paying me well, I do stuff for voice over commercials, jingles, deejay and emcee at events and I am one of the faces of MTN and I am paid for all these services. But some people sit out there and say things they know nothing about” Bola Ray explained.
He said so far as the positive challenges outweigh the negatives, he thinks he is doing a great job.
Talking about his Empire Entertainment organisation which has been behind events like Ghana Meets Naija, Back In The Day Concert and manages artistes Guru, Dr
Slim, Double and Asantewaa, Bola Ray thanked Charterhouse for setting the pace in event organisation and said that his company is in to give Ghanaians the best of events.
About his future plans, Bola Ray who hosted TV3 Music Music for five years said he is returning back to TV very soon.
“In a couple of weeks, I will be hosting a programme called The Autograph where I will be talking to high profile people in and outside Ghana. The Autograph will be one of the biggest programmes Ghana has ever had and I am proud to be the host”
He also said that he is establishing a radio station Empire 102.7 Fm soon in Takoradi.
By Kofi Duah
