In the annals of broadcasting history, there are those rare individuals who transcend the airwaves, leaving an indelible mark on their listeners’ hearts and minds.
The late ace radio broadcaster, Kelvin Ugwu who passed on Saturday 1st September 2023 after a brief illness, was one of those rare gems.
Kelvin Ugwu was a newsreader and radio presenter with Radio Nigeria, who retired from the service after attaining the age of 60, as an Assistant Director of Programmes, Abuja Operations, in May 2023.
The late, Kelvin Ugwu hailed from Umundu, in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, and was born on the 11th May 1963.
His journey into the broadcasting world began in 1991, at the Institute of Management and Technology, IMT, Enugu State, where he obtained a Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication in 1997.
He later obtained a Post Graduate degree from the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State.
His dream of becoming a broadcaster became a reality when he landed a guest artist job in 1988 with the Anambra State Broadcasting Corporation now known as Enugu State Broadcasting Service. He later transitioned to being a Disk Jockey with the service in 1989.
He joined the services of Radio Nigeria in 2003 as an On-Air Personality on the channel’s FM station Kapital FM 92.9 Abuja, and it did not take long for his unique talent to shine as his smooth baritone voice made for a pleasurable listening experience which endeared him to listeners and got him a lot of fans.
Aside from being an OAP at Kapital FM, he also read the news for the network services of Radio Nigeria, where he also anchored programmes, notable among them was ‘Police Diary’.
He had an innate ability to connect with listeners on a personal level, making each broadcast feel like a conversation with a dear friend. Little wonder he was fondly called ‘Big Brother on Radio’ which was later modified to Big Brother Kelvin, BBK.
BBK was loved by his colleagues, especially the younger broadcasters because he was always available to mentor, teach, and train them on the rudiments of the profession, he also gave them moral support.
Ugwu was a man of many parts, he was also a notable actor who acted in award-winning movies.
Notable among them was ‘Efficacy’, which featured stars like Desmond Eliott and Stephanie Okereke.
Other movies to his credit include; Lasting Love (2007), Doctor (2007), Extreme Measure, Insp. Jide (2006), Saviour and Street Fame (2005).
Multi talented Ugwu was also a gospel singer who has produced various records.
His life and career serve as a testament to the enduring power and the profound influence that one person’s voice can have on the world.
Kelvin Ugwu was what many will call a ‘Jack of all Trades and a Master of All’.
He was a multitalented broadcast journalist, show anchor, news reader, master of Ceremony, actor, musician, lover of God and the human race. His work cut across television and radio briadcast.
Kelvin Ugwu was happily married to Chidimma Ugwu and they were blessed with 4children, a son and 3 daughter. He is fondly remembered abd dearly missed by his family, colleagues, friends and well wishers.
Story: Ihuoma Ukeje & Asma’u Sani