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I used to sell airtime and perfume —Etania

Etania Mutoni

What you need to know:

  • Up-close. She might be one of the hottest TV presenters at the moment but Etania Mutoni has a journey, writes Isaac Ssejjombwe.

First thing you do when you wake up…
I wake up to music. I mean, I wake up and connect my phone to my speaker and get into the mood to start my day off.
What type of music do you listen to...?
I listen to all types of music, depending on the mood. For example, when I want it to be a calm morning, I go for the soothing rhythms while the other days I want to wake up to upbeat vibes, the fast and upbeat music.
First thing you do when you get to work is...
I check on my workmates (mostly by greeting them) and also prepare for the show.
Earliest childhood memory…
There was a maid who used to beat me every time my mother left for work.
Why did she beat you?
I think Uganda maids beat children without reason. I was young but I remember being punished all the time.  
First best friend...
Rachel became my best friend about three years ago. She is still very special to me.
First kiss…
I do not remember it.
How could you forget such a moment...?
Next please…
What is the first book you read?
Harry Potter books such as Deathly Hallows, Order of the Phoenix, and Hogwarts Express. I loved the series 
First job...
I sold airtime and perfume outside the Italian Supermarket,  Muyenga when I was in my Senior Four vacation.
First salary...
Shs200,000 monthly from the supermarket job.
What is your current job?
I work at NTV. I do the Mix Show every Friday from 10pm.
What do you like the most about your job?
The doors it has opened up for me and all the opportunities my current job has come with.
For example...? 
The different brands that are willing to work with me and also people who  would like me to emcee at their parties.
Most memorable experience...
The first Wizkid experience in Uganda where I got to hug him. I will never forget that moment.
Biggest regret in life...
Not going further with education yet I loved school so much.
Why couldn’t you complete school?
Because my mother could not afford my fees to campus, but I plan to resume soon. 
Best advice you have ever received, and from whom?
Jeff Kiwa, an artiste manager told me, to never forget who I am and where I have come from and to always stay real.  
Best moment in life...
Every time I get to do things for my family.
Such as?
I have been able to put my two sisters through school, one is done with secondary level going to university and the other has got into secondary. 
Worst moment in life...
When I lost my father.
How old were you?
I was 10 years. Being that young, it was too early for him to pass on. Nothing can compare to that.
Inspiration into presenting...
Namalanga Shozi from South Africa.
Why her?
She is a very good TV presenter and has had time to grow her skills on TV, which is a good thing. She’s inspirational for people who need to be perfect to get on TV.
What hypes you before you go on TV..
Knowing that people are going to be watching and loving the show. I always get the opportunity to entertain the people and the positive feedback always gives me hype.