Media personality and entrepreneur Kpekpo Maxwell Justice, popularly known as KMJ, has opened up about the defining moments that inspired and shaped his journey into radio journalism.
KMJ recounted how renowned Ghanaian broadcaster Kwame Sefa Kayi played a pivotal role in encouraging him to pursue a radio career.
Though he initially dreamt of becoming a footballer, KMJ said his passion for broadcasting grew steadily, influenced by his upbringing.
“My dad was an avid fan of radio and TV. Every morning, I woke up to the sound of news and commentary. That sparked my interest. I became passionate about letting people hear my voice. I realized I had a nice voice, so I made the decision to quit football.”
KMJ
That decision, however, came at a cost. The Media personality revealed that his father was deeply disappointed when he abandoned football.
“I fought with my dad when I told him I didn’t want to play football anymore. He was very angry. I had to get my uncle and mother to plead on my behalf, because I needed his support to pursue radio.”
KMJ
His father, though still displeased, finally agreed to support him. Through his father’s connections, he was introduced to the manager of Shalom Radio in Berekum, a longtime friend of his father.
That marked his first exposure to the practical world of broadcasting. “I went to the station, and the manager introduced me to the DJ who hosted the Drive Time show, and that was my first time entering a studio,” he noted.
For two months, KMJ apprenticed under the DJ, carrying CDs, attending meetings, and learning the ropes of the industry.
Eventually, he felt it was time to take the next big step.
“I told my aunt I wanted to move to Accra. She helped me relocate. When I got there, I didn’t know where to start. I didn’t want to go back home as a failure.”
KMJ
It was during this uncertain time in Accra that a major turning point happened. His father, still distant but silently supportive, called him home. That visit led to an introduction that changed everything.
“When I got home, my dad placed a call to Kwame Sefa Kayi. I didn’t even know he was my uncle. He told him about my interest in radio, and Mr. Sefa Kayi asked me to come and see him when I returned to Accra.”
KMJ
True to his word, Kpekpo Maxwell Justice met with Kwame Sefa Kayi at the old Peace FM premises. Though Sefa Kayi never secured a job for him at Peace FM, KMJ said he harbored no resentment.
“He asked if I was sure about doing radio, and when I said yes, he promised to support me however he could. That moment gave me the motivation I needed to believe I could make it.
“I don’t blame him. His words alone kept me going. Many young people expect those ahead of them to carry them all the way. But that’s not how life works. You have to walk the path yourself.”
KMJ
Eventually, KMJ secured his first radio job at Vision FM in Koforidua. Years later, life came full circle when he had the opportunity to host Kwame Sefa Kayi during a visit by the Springboard Foundation. “Mr. Albert Ocran and Sefa Kayi came to Vision FM for an interview, and I was the host. Sefa Kayi was proud to see me sitting there, having come so far,” he said.
KMJ on Modest Upbringing
The media personality and entrepreneur opened up about his modest upbringing, revealing how he started working at a young age to support his family.
KMJ said that during his Junior High School (JHS) days, when he was about 14 years old, he was compelled to take on small jobs to help his family survive. School (JHS) days, around the age of 14, he would either shine shoes or sell water after school.
“I grew up doing shoeshine. And everybody who was part of my life at Obuasi will know this. When I was in JHS, after school, I would go and do shoe shine. I had my own shoeshine box. At the time, too, my mom used to sell banku. So her banku stand was here, and my shoeshine box was right next to it.”
KMJ
KMJ also recalled how he made full use of his mother’s freezer to support his water-selling business.
Despite the humble nature of his work, KMJ said he never felt ashamed, even though his schoolmates saw him selling pure water and shining shoes. “I grew up knowing very well that if I wanted to be anything, I needed to work for it,” he highlighted.
He further revealed that the money he earned played a crucial role in supporting his family, especially since his father was mostly absent.
“My dad never used to live with us. So when my dad was away and we had no money, I fed the house with the money I made from shoeshine and selling pure water.”
KMJ
Today, KMJ isn’t shining shoes; rather, he’s shining on TV screens, proving that no matter where you start, with hustle and heart, the humblest beginnings can lead to the brightest spotlight.
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