Interview with Juliet Royo: Radio personality and actress

Juliet Royo, also better known as Royo Julz, is one of the blossoming female radio personalities in Malawi. Loved for her charming voice and one of a kind music selection, Juliet is becoming a darling to many urban youths through the Spotlight, a Tuesday night show which she co-hosts with Ian Simbota and features prominent people on the local entertainment scene. Kimpho Loka had a chat with the MBC Radio 2FM presenter.

Tell us more about Juliet, off and on air.

Off air: I am a reserved person, I keep to myself. Am an avid reader, my free times are filled with sleeping and watching movies or hanging out with my peoples. I observe a lot. I’m always looking for ways to better myself whether it’s physically, spiritually, character-wise or financially. On air: I could be really inquisitive sometimes, am loud and opiniated

The name Royo Julz, an interesting name that fits you perfectly, how did it come about?

Thank you! [Smiles]. Oh well [shrugs]… I couldn’t come up with a twitter name when I tried to sign up so I just used my name. My friends call me Julz instead of Juliet and Royo is my surname

What’s fascinating about radio?

The fact that you talk all alone in a soundproof room is fascinating alone, I think [smiles].

Also the fact that as a radio presenter you always need to have that confidence that there is a listener(s) out there, whether there is really someone tuned in it’s scary and exciting at the time because all you have is hope.

What’s the best age to be and why?

You do host call-in programs, mostly at night, who’s your frequent and favorite caller?

Uuuhm I haven’t done those in a while ‘cause of the Spotlight slot, but from the days that I used to do it, there was a guy named Emanuel, he was a lot of fun.

 

If you weren’t talking to us now, what would you be doing?

Probably up and down running errands. I am into business management and investments. I also do voiceovers, ads and acting so am usually on the road most parts of my days.

Business management and investments, do you mind sharing your investments and why your peers should borrow a leaf from you on that business tip?

I can’t give all details of my investments lest my business partners would kill me [laughs]. But personally I invest in anything I can get my hands on. Sometimes if fails sometimes it pays off. Investments like bonds, treasury bills, shares and other businesses as per available opportunities. It’s important to save for that rainy day, it’s a tip my father instilled in me when I was a little girl. I have known what and how it is to have literally nothing and I seriously don’t want to go back there hence my hands-on on savings and that sort of thing.

My peers should borrow a leaf because having your business interests is satisfying, risky but fulfilling. I hear so many of my fellow youths saying they don’t want to work for anyone or for far long. That they hope to do their own thing, but how are you going to start up if you can’t save now or lay the foundation while you can?

Interesting. Now back to radio, what makes your station unique? How would you compare it to other stations?

Radio 2 FM is diverse. Its primary audience is the youths, but the way that goal is diversified and launched into a number of ways to reach out to the people is interesting. It also has the best presenters and DJs in the industry. People who [have] been in the game for far too long. I feel super privileged to work alongside them every single day.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I won’t take a cold shower even a hottest day. I hate cold water! And I have anthropophobia (social phobia).

Talking about social, do you believe social media has made a difference in people’s lifestyle in Malawi?

Most definitely! One of the major influences on a person’s life is peer pressure and I believe that with social media in the recent years, peer pressure has gotten too real. It’s both good and bad depending on one’s gate-keeping.

What makes you believe you are doing enough to promote local music?

I wouldn’t want to believe that am doing enough to promote local music because there is room for improvement all the time no matter how good things are. Therefore, I think there is room to do more.

Your Top 3 Malawian songs on your playlist?

I always listen to Redemption by David Kalilani, so I place it on position one. I like the single Home Grown African released recently, Nobody and it comes second. On number three there’s Lilia’s Home, I don’t think I will ever get over it.

You’re also an actress, what’s the best role you’ve played in your career?

I played a chief’s wife on a stage play in Smith Likongwe’s “Presidential Prerogative” a couple of years ago, it was an interesting experience.

Does the film industry have a future in Malawi?

Yes it does. With time I believe it will do well. It needs massive support from the government, the corporate world, the actors themselves to be organized and united as well as the citizens to be as supportive as they can be.

One’s early twenties I think. It’s time to lay out a path for oneself. You start to find yourself as a person and it can be quiet intense. I enjoyed my 21st and 22nd years, both the painful and happy experiences.

How old is Julz?

Julz was born 25 years ago [smiles].

What’s your best night out?

Bonding with my favorite people over dinner or a good movie.

Who’s your best male friend and how did the two of you meet?

We met through my work six years ago. His name is Lim.

Connect with Juliet on Social Media

Facebook: Juliet Theodorah Royo

Twitter: @Royojulz

Instagram: miss_royo_

—Photos courtesy of Juliet Royo—

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