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A typical day in Mark's life as a radio presenter at 99 FM includes him waking up and being on time for his 10:00 to 14:00 show called Hitsville. He has to come up with content as one can't just get up and, in his words, “show up ndje”, because he has to keep his audience entertained and informed with real and quality news. “Radio presenting is a full-on job. I wake up and go to work like everyone else who has an eight-to-five job. You need to be consistent and you need to know what you are doing,” he says. Mark started his career at the Base FM community radio station two years ago when a friend of his tagged him in a post by the radio station looking for presenter. With no radio background as he was a working at a financial institute which he felt it wasn't his calling, he gave the radio audition a shot and got the job. After his first few days he realised that radio is more than talking a lot and being known. “No one wants to be famous, what is fame anyways? Radio is all about passion. I was recently stopped by someone and they said to me “so julle stap ook”, like when I'm in the hood, must I pop up with a Bentley to go buy bread at the cucashop or what now?” he said with a laugh. A month of being on air he was given his own show - the breakfast show - where he had to work hard as he was not only the presenter but the producer and news anchor too. Mark then broadened his horizons and recently took up the job with 99 FM. “When you are in radio, you are the voice of the voiceless. We have a lot of people listening and investing in you so one really needs to bring their A-game.

I'm still learning and I'm not gullible. Even though not everyone will like what you are doing, at the end of the day is that you have to be unique and be you. People can tell a fraud these days,” he said. To upcoming presenters, Mark says discipline is key.

Mark, who is a Free Your Mind comic, was awarded the Comedian of the Year 2017 award and hosted his first one-man stand-up show, Fresh Prince of Okakarara at the Warehouse which was a huge success and was sold out. He says the show opened so many doors. “There comes a point in a comedian's life where you have so much to share. The show was a hit but I do feel like I could have done better.

It is because of that that I decided to host my second one-man show. It's titled Fresh Prince of Okakarara Reloaded,” he said. Mark hasn't performed in eight months as he has been observing and doing his research as a build up to the show that will take place tonight at the NTN. He says nothing will be off limits and it will be brutally honest. It will also cover what will happen after the show and he will define who Fresh Prince is.

Mark has merchandise which is available on his recently launched website markkariahuua.com.na where his fans can stream into his shows, buy his branded clothes and keep up with him.

June Shimuoshili