18-year-old Mariella Kate is a high school graduate and a radio presenter of a teen talk show ‘Royal Teens’ at Royal FM. It was her experience as a teen’s presenter that saw her take on the Buzz Teens Festival that was inaugurated last weekend in Kigali. Women Today’s Sharon Kantengwa asked her a few questions regarding her contribution to education of teens through entertainment.

How did you get on radio at such a young age?

It all started in 2015 with just an idea that I wanted to develop. I took the idea to the station (Royal FM) which they liked, although they weren’t sure if I could make it and so they suggested a co-host. And this is how ‘Royal Teen’s Time’ came to be.

What has the journey been like?

It wasn’t easy in the beginning. In fact, there was a point when I wanted to quit but as time passed by, the challenges only made me stronger and kept me moving till today.

What have you learnt in this field?

To never always put money first before work and that challenges, patience and faith are the way to success.

How did the Buzz Teens Festival come about?

The idea was inspired by my radio show ‘Royal Teens Time’. After I had seen how successful it had become, I realised that I could implement more ideas. With the help of a few people, we started organising the festival and with last weekend’s turn up, it was a dream come true.

How was the event, were your expectations met?

Pretty great actually. I expected less and it turned out to be a ‘go ahead’ for me.

What impact do you intend to make on the youth through the festival?

Teen Buzz is an annual event that will be happening in Rwanda, an event that involves many things that are affordable for the youth and society at large, and in many fields including entertainment, sports, culture, and education, among many others. It aims at introducing ‘edu-entertainment’ activities that can entertain the youth and educate them at the same time.

What are your future plans?

Well, I set the trend, and will therefore leave other youngsters to help other teenagers since I won’t stay one forever. Educating and entertaining teenagers requires being one, to fully understand what teenagers need. Becoming a lawyer is my next step and goal.

How do you want to be remembered?

I want to be remembered as a person who was proud of being a teenager and who used her teen years properly. Someone who aimed at proving people of the mindset that most girls get ‘spoilt’ in their teenage years, wrong.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw