How Nana Yaw Opoku Appiah became the Ashanti Region’s most enduring entertainment voice on Kessben 93.3 FM.
In the vibrant world of Ghanaian radio, where voices come and go with the changing seasons, one name has remained a constant fixture on the airwaves of Kumasi for over two decades.
Nana Yaw Opoku Appiah, known affectionately to thousands of listeners as Mr Roar, has been the heartbeat of Kessben 93.3 FM since 2004, building a legacy that few in the industry can match.
Twenty-one years is a lifetime in broadcasting, yet Mr Roar’s journey with Kessben FM has been marked by unwavering dedication and an evolving understanding of what it means to serve an audience.
As both presenter and DJ, he has mastered the delicate art of entertaining, informing, and connecting with the people of the Ashanti Region through their radios.
His microphone has captured conversations with some of Ghana’s most celebrated personalities. From highlife legends Daddy Lumba and Kojo Antwi to contemporary stars like Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, and Gyakie, Mr Roar has created a platform where Ghanaian talent shines.
His guest list reads like a who’s who of the entertainment industry: Dada KD, Flowking Stone, Okyeame Kwame, actors Kojo Nkansah Lil Win, Akrobeto, and Nana Ama McBrown have all sat across from him, sharing their stories with his listeners.
Behind the studio glass and away from the spotlight, Mr Roar is a family man, married to Louisa Ofosu Appiah, a professional teacher, with whom he shares four children.
This grounding in family life perhaps explains the warmth and relatability that has endeared him to his audience over the years.
But, the veteran broadcaster is candid about the challenges facing traditional media in Ghana today.
He expresses concern about the unregulated nature of social media, where anyone can establish a news platform or podcast without accountability, often spreading misinformation.
While he acknowledges that traditional media, particularly radio, continues to thrive in Ghana, he worries about the erosion of journalistic standards in the digital age.
One issue particularly close to his heart is the undervaluing of entertainment journalism in Kumasi and the broader Ashanti Region.
Mr Roar laments that while sports and political programming benefit from well-trained, compensated producers who provide hosts with research and information, entertainment presenters are often left to handle their own production work.
Even when producers are available for entertainment shows, management frequently sees little reason to compensate them properly. This disparity, he argues, undermines the quality and potential of entertainment broadcasting in the region.
Despite these frustrations, Mr Roar’s vision for the future remains clear and ambitious.
Over the next five years, he wants to cement his position as the go-to radio companion for listeners across the Ashanti Region, continuing to provide entertainment, information, education, motivation, and joy through his programs.
His advice to aspiring broadcasters reflects the wisdom gained from two decades in the industry. While passion is important, he cautions young people not to let love for the profession cloud their judgment. “Learn to be professional about it,” he emphasizes, encouraging newcomers to remain students of the craft, constantly adding value to themselves while leveraging the visibility that comes with media work to explore other opportunities.
As Kessben 93.3 FM continues to dominate the airwaves in Kumasi, Mr Roar remains its steady voice, a testament to consistency, adaptability, and genuine connection with an audience In an industry where longevity is rare and loyalty even rarer, his 21-year tenure at one station speaks volumes about both his commitment and the station’s recognition of his value.
The roar that began in 2004 shows no signs of fading.
If anything, it has grown into something more refined, more purposeful, and more essential to the daily lives of thousands who tune in, day after day, to hear the voice they’ve come to trust.
