Veteran Ghanaian comedian and filmmaker Kwaku Sintim-Misa, popularly known as KSM, has opened up about his transition from radio to television, explaining that it was driven by the more engaging nature of TV.
Speaking on The Career Trail programme on Joy Learning TV and Joy News, KSM revealed that his fascination with television was inspired by his love for late-night talk shows.
“I was addicted to late-night shows, where the host would come on, crack jokes, and then do interviews,” he shared.
Although he had long been interested in television, KSM said the opportunity to break into the medium came when he met Talal Fattal, then CEO of Metro TV.
According to him, their paths crossed after Fattal attended one of his performances at the National Theatre. The two later became friends.
“When I came to Ghana, I still had the love for late-night shows. But it wasn’t until I met Talal Fattal, who was then the owner of Metro TV. He came to the National Theatre to see one of my shows.
We became friends after. In one of our discussions, he was telling me about thinking about introducing a late-night show on Metro TV. Then I told him I can do it,” he recalled.
That discussion marked the beginning of what would become the widely successful show Thank God It’s Friday, with KSM as host.
He revealed that in the early days of the show, he was juggling both radio and television.
“When we started, I was still doing radio on Vibe and also Thank God It’s Friday on TV. I was doing the two back-to-back for a long time until I finally gave up on radio and stayed on TV.
I found Thank God It’s Friday more engaging and more fun. So I said, why not just concentrate on this? And that is why I left radio for TV,” he recounted.
Over time, KSM rebranded the show into what is now known as The KSM Show.
“Those who go way back know it used to be Thank God It’s Friday. Eventually, I rebranded it to The KSM Show,” he added.
When asked what has kept him going since 2002, KSM attributed his longevity and success to his ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
“I think people find me relatable. I can host a young person and make them feel at ease. Then the next guest could be the vice president, and we’d have a relaxed, fun conversation.
I think I have that magic of making people comfortable enough to open up and be themselves,” he said.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of longevity in building a successful career.
“For every career path, one of the key ingredients to success is longevity. If you’re able to consistently deliver something that remains relevant over time, then you’ve achieved something meaningful.
Since 2002, The KSM Show is still on air,” KSM reflected.
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