Media personality and entrepreneur Kpekpo Maxwell Justice, popularly known as KMJ, has opened up about how his journey at Multimedia Group began, crediting renowned Ghanaian filmmaker Socrate Safo for playing a pivotal role in securing the opportunity.
Speaking to Irene Adubea Aning on The Career Trail, KMJ recounted the uncertain period in his life after leaving Vision FM in Koforidua.
Following the passing of his former boss, Oliver Desbordes, he was encouraged by Sammy Flex to move to Accra and pursue bigger dreams.
“After my boss passed, I remember Sammy saying, ‘You’re a big guy. You’ve done so much in Koforidua, everybody knows you. Pack your things and come to Accra and start a new life.’ It was tough because I was so attached to the man, but I made the bold decision and left,” KMJ recalled.
Upon arriving in Accra, KMJ faced a difficult five-month period without a job. Eventually, Sammy Flex reached out again and invited him to join his show on Pluzz FM as a pundit.
“For five months, I was just home, trying to figure things out. Then Sammy called and said I should come to Pluzz FM. He was a presenter there at the time. So I joined as a pundit, and we talked about entertainment,” he recounted.
This arrangement continued until one day, an unexpected opportunity presented itself. Sammy Flex was unavailable, and KMJ was asked to host the show in his absence. The episode was streamed on Facebook, and KMJ’s performance garnered attention and praise from viewers.
“That Sunday changed everything. Sammy wasn’t around, so he asked me to sit in for him. I agreed. The show was streaming live and, surprisingly, everyone was talking about me,” he emphasized.
It was during this show that KMJ had a fateful encounter with Socrate Safo.
“Socrate Safo walked into the studio and started asking me questions—who I was, what I was doing there, and if it was my first time. We were on a commercial break, so I asked him to wait and said I’d talk to him after the show. My producer explained I was sitting in for Sammy, so he waited,” he explained.
After the show, they had a conversation, and Socrate asked if KMJ was employed. Upon learning he wasn’t, Socrate approached the station’s manager to recommend him, but the attempt was unsuccessful.
“He went to the manager, requesting that they employ me, highlighting that I was good. However, it didn’t work out,” he shared.
Two weeks later, KMJ was at home when he received a call from Socrate Safo, asking him to meet the then Programs Manager at Hitz FM, Mark Okraku Mantey.
“Socrate called and told me he had spoken to Mark Okraku Mantey, who requested to see me immediately at Multimedia,” KMJ disclosed.
He made his way to the Multimedia offices, where he finally met Mark Okraku Mantey after the morning show on Hitz FM.
“I sat at the reception waiting. When the show ended, Mark came and said Socrate had recommended me. I told him to give me just five minutes on air, and if he didn’t want me after that, I’d leave. He agreed and put me on the morning show as a pundit,” KMJ recalled.
Once again, fate intervened. The main host of the morning show went on leave, and KMJ was asked to fill in temporarily. His performance impressed the team, and when the original host eventually resigned, KMJ was offered the role permanently.
“The host went on leave, so I was asked to step in. One thing led to another, and after some months, he resigned and I became the substantive host of the show,” he added.
KMJ’s talent and growing popularity soon prompted a transition from radio to television. After two and a half years on Hitz FM, Multimedia management encouraged him to try TV, believing he had the charisma and presence to succeed.
“At first, I was hesitant. But after successfully hosting a few shows, I accepted. That’s how I moved from radio to TV,” he stressed.
Today, KMJ is a household name in the Ghanaian media, hosting major entertainment shows and successfully transitioning into more serious roles, including a morning show where he discusses political and social issues.
Reflecting on his journey, he expressed deep gratitude to God and to the individuals who played key roles in his rise.
“How my life has transformed—I can never take credit for it. It was God’s doing. You can prepare yourself, but it takes grace. I’m thankful to those who helped me, and I’m glad I didn’t disappoint them. I don’t joke with Socrate Safo because he did this for me without even knowing me. I’ll forever be grateful to him,” KMJ acknowledged.
When asked how he earned the moniker The Royal Host, KMJ revealed it came during his coverage of the royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
“I hosted a four-hour special on their wedding. During the show, KKD said, ‘It’s your first time doing this up close, and though I’ve never had a conversation with you, talking to you now, you are The Royal Host.’ That name stuck,” he revealed.
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