Pendo on breaking into the entertainment industry

She is known for a series of gigs as a TV and radio host, MC and DJ. Anita Pendo’s determination to break into the male dominated field is what has set her apart from many others. She had a chat with Sunday Magazine’s Sharon Kantengwa on what her career journey has been like. Take us back to when you started. What was your journey like? Anita Pendo My media career started in 2007 as a joke when I escorted my friend MC Tino to the studios at Flash FM. While there, the manager heard my voice, and gave me a job. I haven’t looked back since. I started out as an MC in 2006 for an advertising company called Pulse, where they had a DJ from Uganda who trained me. My acting career started in 2006 with Mashirika and I also went to Kenya to train as a DJ in 2012, for three months. I take pride in what I have become because it’s been a journey of lessons and progress. You were told that you have ‘the voice’. Have you thought of trying out a music career? Not at all. People have been convincing me to try but we all can’t be musicians. You can be popular in any career as long as you love what you do. Tell us your best moments so far. I feel so good whenever I am in front of an audience. My best moments have always been with the microphone, where I get to engage the audience. This is what gives me energy. How do you keep your audience engaged all through a show? The only ‘magic’ I use is being myself and of course, making jokes. Being one of the first female MCs and deejays, what was it like breaking into the male-dominated field? It was difficult because of how society perceived girls. People who saw me called me crazy but I had to focus and do my job and give it my best, because in the end, they would understand and appreciate. You have been in the field for quite a number of years. What keeps you motivated despite the hurdles? My family. I don’t have a father and was raised by my mother. I have a dream that one day she and my siblings will live the life that I want them to live. My country’s willingness to develop also inspires me to contribute using my talent, and finally, I want to build my future. Speaking of the future, where do you see yourself a few years from now? Hopefully, I will be a responsible mother and a wife. Would you trade your career for marriage? It’s all about communication because I think no man wants a lazy woman. I believe people grow in their careers, so we never know may be I will be CEO somewhere in years to come. What plans do you have this year? I cannot tell right now, but it’s a year that will be full of surprises. My fans shall just have to wait and see.

Lifestyle

Pendo on breaking into the entertainment industry