Prime
JUST ASKING: Tendo Tabel
Tendo Tabel AKA Lady Titi artiste and presenter of Titi’s Show on NBS Television
How did you come up with the idea of such a show?
I adore Oprah and her show and the more I watched it, I felt like I should start a show like hers that would suit our setting - a show where people can air out their problems and get advice from others. I started by presenting a radio show called Ebaluwa (letter) which is similar to the one on TV only that it has been made visual.
How do you get the people who participate in the show?
I give out my phone number (0703333377) to people, so when they have a problem, they call me up. As for the audience, at first I announced on radio and called fans of the radio show to the TV show. When they came, I asked them to come along with their friends the next time and I also told their friends to come along with others.
What problem has touched you most so far?
One where a man cheated and impregnated the woman but denied responsibility for fear of hurting his wife. Then his wife got complications and could not give birth again yet she only had one girl. So the man ran back to the other woman whose son was then in S.2 and asked to start taking care of him after realising that there was no chance of getting a son with his official wife. The man called asking us to help him beg the woman to accept him be part of the boy’s life. Given that I have grown up in a separated family and know what it feels like to be abandoned by your father, I was so moved and definitely had a lot to tell that man and others like him.
What is the criteria for one’s problem to be aired?
It has got to be different from others that have been aired so it does not appear like a repetition. It also has to be serious and something that the audience will pick interest in. Also, all parties involved must be willing to participate by either appearing on screen or at least participating on the phone.
What do you consider your biggest achievement in life?
Being able to counsel a number of married people and help them get back together yet they were on the verge of divorcing.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
I was going to give up on something but my mother advised me to be patient and hold on. Right now, I can see the reason she told me to hold on and it is the best thing I could do.
What motivates you?
Gospel music motivates me especially Wilson Bugembe’s songs. I feel like most of the gospel songs speak to my soul and keep me going.
What do you love and hate about your job?
I like the fact that I get to hear many problems so I know I’m not the only one who is hurting and it makes me better at counseling because of the different advice that people offer. I hate that many times people look at me like I’m their only solution which is not right. They ought to look up to God because He’s their best solution.
How do you relax?
I relax indoors while listening to gospel music.
