COMEDIAN EMMANUEL KISIANG’ANI EXPLAINS WHY HE’S NOT RUSHING BACK TO RADIO

Popular comedian Emmanuel Kisiang’ani has opened up about his reluctance to return to radio despite previous success, citing creative restrictions and demanding schedules as key factors. 

Speaking candidly on the Buzz Central Podcast with CheptoeK Boyo, the former Spice FM host shared his unfiltered thoughts on the challenges of radio versus the freedom of comedy and podcasting.

Kisiang’ani, who co-hosted the evening show Adults in the Room, revealed the behind-the-scenes struggles that made radio less appealing.

“Radio was a hard time for me because it was in the evening and that’s when all the comedy shows were kicking in so guys were growing their craft. Radio looks very easy to do but it’s hard, you think you’ll just be at work for 3 hours but they want you there early to do show prep for the show or meetings during the day.”

He also recalled frustrating moments under management, like when former boss would text him mid-show. ”There was a boss, Tom Japanni. That guy used to listen to the show and then he texts you while on air, ‘hio ni ujinga munaongea just play music’. So your heart is broken then he wants to see you the next day for appraisals. I wasn’t used to the structure, I was used to comedy, I decided what I’m going to perform and I didn’t have anyone on my shoulder supervising.”

Since leaving radio, Kisiang’ani has embraced podcasting with fellow comedians, where he enjoys unfiltered conversations. “When I quit radio I kept that bug going by doing a podcast with a couple of comedian friends of mine I like it more because we can just talk about anything”

While he hasn’t ruled it out completely, Kisiang’ani admits it would take the right conditions “To be honest I don’t know if I’ll go back to radio. If it pays really well and I have a level of creative control I might go back.”