People come and go in life, and especially in the topsy-turvy world of radio. Still, it is amazing how just the simple mention of a name from the past can bring back a flood of nostalgic memories, especially when such a voice still echoes on the airwaves.
After decades of practice and experience, George Brun (a.k.a George B) is one such icon who is still a force to reckon with whenever we talk of radio entertainment in Ghana. George Brun joined Global Media Alliance in 2009 as YFM’s Station Manager and has sustained YFM as the first and leading radio station for the youth in Ghana through an effective management style and rich experience with wide exposure from around the world. October 2010 marks George Brun’s first anniversary on YFM ahead of the station’s second anniversary due in November.
George Brun became one of the youngest CEOs in Ghana at the age of twenty (20) in the early 1990’s when he had to take over the running of a family business after the demise of his father. Following his passion in music, he started a record company called GROOVE RECORDS in 1992, importing music from the USA/ UK. Mr. Brun later became the founder and President of the first ever DJ's Club in Ghana, FRESH GROOVE DJ'S CLUB – where he unearthed and trained several budding DJ's and helped existing DJ's to secure contracts with clubs across the globe.
Youthful and affectionate in nature, George Brun says nothing gives him more joy than working with a young crop of people full of energy and passion. The young and several youthful persons have been yearning for a radio experience that is carefully designed and packaged just for them. YFM has come to fill a very big vacuum that had been left in the radio world for a long time.
Under his leadership and management, George B has maintained YFM as a very attractive brand appealing to both listeners and advertisers who have naturally become ambassadors of YFM. Among the interesting programme line-up include the Dave Cox Show, Zain Jamming Africa, Coca Cola Open Happiness, Essential Listening Show, Nite Nite Dryve of Your Lyfe, Ryse and Shyne, Myd Morning Show, Afropolitan Mix, Y Lounge with Jeremie, Roots & Revyvals, The Home Grown Show etc. Two of YFM’s DJs have recently been nominated as two of Africa’s best ten DJs by Mnet’s Studio 53 attesting to the popularity and growth of YFM.
YFM is also known for flagship events such as the annual Car Wash Bash, Celebrity Birthday Bash, Golf Tournament, Facebook Waakye Party among others. George reveals that the station is planning to introduce many other exciting programmes including VOA News to cater for all categories of listeners.
When asked about his experience and what he has to share with his numerous fans and admirers, George B revealed that it takes much more than what people think to be great on radio.
“You were born with a great sounding voice, and you think that you could work on the radio like your favorite DJ in Accra or anywhere in the world. Friends and family members might have told you that you have a great voice for radio, but does this mean it's a career path you should certainly follow?
There are millions and millions of people who probably have a great radio voice. Some of the best radio voices work in fast food joints, banks, hospitals, or toll booths, or sell tickets at the movie theatre. Just because you have a good voice doesn't mean that you have what it takes to be a radio personality. It takes much more than that” says George Brun of YFM.
“Being on the air is fun if you can get a job in the industry. But with the fun, comes a great deal of responsibility. Radio is an art, a craft, and great radio personalities know that it's not about being famous, it's about giving their community quality entertainment, along with the information and the news they need to feel connected. If someone wants to be on radio just to "be famous", he might want to consider a different line of work. A radio DJ must always serve the common good. Being prepared for your radio show is very important. It's crucial to get to work at least a half hour before your shift” George further admonishes.
Prior to joining YFM, George Brun worked as a presenter and manager of several radio stations in Ghana and the UK including Vibe FM, Choice FM, Atlantis Radio, Hot Digital Radio, London and Voice of Africa Radio, London. Alongside his managerial duties at YFM, George B also hosts the Essential Listening Show every Monday to Thursday, between 10pm and midnight.
Aside from being a serious professional, George B is happily married with three children. He loves to travel and party and even though he loves good food, he doesn’t even know how to boil an egg.
Contact Global Media Alliance: corpcom@gmaworld.com / +233 302 912071-3