Who is Sean Preezy?

Sean Murigu Prewitt, better known as Sean Preezy is a presenter on NRG Radio Uganda where he is the face. The young orator has been nominated as Best Star Radio Personality Of The Year for the Shining Star Africa Awards 2024.  Sean is a contender in this category which includes top continental radio personalities from several countries. These include Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Kenya.

Sean and the NRG team are some of the few invited esteemed guests at Sandton Hotel in Benmore Gardens, Gauteng, South Africa. That is where winners will be crowned at a glamorous red carpet affair. The photo moment carpet starts at 2:30 PM till 4:00 PM, followed by the main event commencing at 4:10 PM until 7:00 PM.

Why are we talking about Sean Preezy?

Known as “The Host Always Doin’ The Most,” Sean Preezy has become a household name across Africa for his signature Dynamic, Resonant, and Vibrant voice quality. Responsible for several career-defining interviews on and off-air, he currently presents The Transit radio show on 106.5 NRG in Kampala.

When and where was Sean Preezy born?

Born on July 21, 1998, in Marietta, Georgia, USA, Sean’s early life was steeped in the rich musical and cultural influences of modern pop and rap. Growing up, he was always a leader and a creative force in music and the arts. From choreographing dance routines to script-writing skits, his household was never dull. His ability to entertain and inspire those around him was evident from a young age.

Sean’s adeptness at connecting with audiences, combined with his sharp wit and insightful commentary has enabled him to host Africa’s big names, including Tems, Nasty C, DJ Neptune, Blaq Bonez, Joeboy, Spice Diana, Fave, Lojay, Boutross Munene, Bensoul, Bien, Nviiri, Camp Mulla, Hart the Band, Big Tril, Sarz, Lilian Mbabazi, Pallaso, Vinka, Azawi, Joshua Baraka, Rafa Pabon. We caught up with him before his radio show prep time and here is everything he shared with us about himself and upcoming projects. 

How have your early music and dance experiences shaped your radio career?

Dance and music have played a huge role in shaping my radio career. Nowadays, radio is a lot different than it was a few years ago, especially in the early 2000s. It’s no longer just about having a good voice and speaking into a microphone. Today, radio is audio-visual, and social media is a big part of it. Being a musician and a dancer, and knowing I always wanted to be an entertainer, has helped me put myself at the forefront of NRG Radio. This station strongly represents the audio-visual aspect, especially on air and on digital platforms.

You can see our presence on social media and how much we care about it, beyond just the voice. Being a great dancer and a musician has made it easier for me to share that side of myself, making me a more well-rounded personality both on and off the air.

What does this nomination mean to you personally and professionally?

Being nominated is incredible. It makes me understand my position and influence on the youth in this nation and across Africa as a whole. This nomination reaching South Africa is amazing and fills me with all sorts of emotions including the continued quest for improvement. The support has been real, especially after moving to Uganda, where I never expected to be embraced. It can only be by God’s grace that I’ve reached where I am now. This nomination is just the first of many, and I’m excited to see what comes from it. Big shout out to the Shining Star Africa Awards in South Africa and my team is ready to represent big on August 3rd.

How do you maintain a strong connection with diverse audiences?

I’ve connected with a diverse audience, from Ugandans to Somalis, Arabs, whites, blacks, Americans, Europeans, and people in the UK. The reason I can connect with all of them is simple: a nice smile and a kind word. These two things can break borders. First impressions matter, and what you say afterward determines your connection with the person or people in front of you. It’s not about fitting in or doing things to make people like you; it’s about being genuine. Humans have the same emotions, and once you tap into the right one, you’ve captured your audience.

How do you balance being authentic while staying professional?

I’ve never believed in “fake it till you make it.” Faking it means you’re putting out something that isn’t truly you, and what you get back won’t be authentic either. This can lead to frustration. I’ve always lived authentically. When I joined NRG Radio in 2018 with no experience, and just two weeks of training, I didn’t know what a radio presenter was supposed to sound like. What carried me through was being myself.

While professionalism is important, there’s no set format for making a show work. Being authentic 24/7 is crucial because people don’t want a fake version of you, and you can’t keep up a fake image forever. So, balance professionalism with being authentic. People who like it will like it, and those who don’t, won’t.”

What key trends do you see shaping the future of radio?

There are three key trends to watch for in radio, both front-end and back-end. On the back end, deeper engagement and interaction between listeners and radio presenters will become more common, whether through FaceTime, video calls, live studio audiences, or similar means. Radio will become more like a TV show. NRG Radio has been pioneering this approach, implementing live streams, social media content, on-ground content, and more to provide an all-round experience for listeners. The future of radio involves being more on the ground rather than just in the studio, shaping radio into something very different in the next 10-20 years.

Can you share a memorable interview or story that impacted you or your listeners?

In 2022, during the NRG AM Show in Kenya, my producer mentioned a young lady from Lagos, Nigeria, who wanted an interview. Her song “Try Me” was blowing up across Africa. I did some research and agreed to the interview. The young lady was very introverted and shy, not giving much during the interview. I cut it short, feeling she wasn’t giving off a vibe. Two years later, that young lady, Tems, became one of the biggest African artists. I felt bad for not allowing her to be herself. This experience taught me to never underestimate anyone and to lead interviews better. Now, I consider myself one of the best interviewers, having grown a lot since then.

How do you see the role of social media evolving alongside traditional radio?

Social media is becoming increasingly integrated with traditional radio. It enhances engagement, allows for broader reach, and offers a platform for additional content that complements on-air programming. I am reminded of a time not so long ago when radio airwaves were a one-way street. Back then, voices like mine would cascade into homes and cars, painting pictures in the minds of listeners. But oh, how the landscape has shifted! It is a simple idea—take the conversation beyond the confines of our broadcast and into the digital playground where our listeners also reside.

Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook have become extensions of our studio offering real-time interaction, where listeners tweet their thoughts, share their stories, and even participate in live polls. I recall one day when we discussed the impact of Afrobeat music across the globe. The hashtag exploded with responses, creating a live feed of perspectives from all over the world. A listener in Accra can now tune into our discussions just as easily as someone in Kampala, thanks to live streams and shared content. It’s a form of democratization of information and entertainment that radio alone could never achieve.

So how does Social Media help you, Sean Preezy on NRG Radio?

As a radio host, social media has also become a platform for additional content that complements our on-air programming. Behind-the-scenes clips, sneak peeks of upcoming shows, and interactive Q&A sessions with listeners—this is how we keep the audience engaged even when the mic is off. When I had the chance to interview an artist like Tems, for instance, the conversation didn’t end when the show did. I continued a similar discussion on Instagram Live, where fans could ask their questions, creating a multifaceted experience that was richer and more interactive.

Social media also serves as a critical feedback loop. For example, after my previous Snapchat post on mental health awareness, I received direct messages and comments sharing personal stories and suggesting further topics. This instant feedback helps me tailor my content to better serve our community’s needs and interests, making my content more relevant and impactful for radio today.

How do you integrate your philanthropic efforts with your professional life?

I have normalized capacity building as a value where I share my own experiences with students pursuing journalism courses always to do research and aim for balanced reporting. I also always dedicate part of my income and time to those in need, especially children and cancer patients. I have always used my platform to promote causes I believe in. I dedicate time and resources to those efforts while maintaining my professional responsibilities as an events host who mobilizes my friends and followers to be part of society’s change.

How does Sean Preezy balance his career with maintaining physical and mental well-being?

Balancing my career with physical and mental well-being involves a strict daily routine. I start my day with devotion, prayer, and reading the Word of God. After that, I hydrate, clean up, eat breakfast, learn something new, and work out. This routine keeps me active and focused. Idleness leads to negative thoughts and behaviors, so I stay productive to avoid that. Staying active, having goals, and maintaining a routine are crucial for my well-being. 

Can you give us a preview of your new podcast, The Gentlemen’s Room, as seen in your Instagram bio?

The Gentlemen’s Room podcast, launched in 2022, is a passion project inspired by my experiences and those of my peers grappling with mental health issues during lockdown. It’s a safe creative vibe corridor (haha!) about reminding men of their true potential and leadership roles. It’s an open space for men to discuss their lifestyle issues, mental health, and the ilk… to work on themselves and grow together. For women, it shows the kind of self-improvement men should strive for. This podcast, with God as the foundation, aims to change this generation for the next.