Role King Kalala's parents played in her reinvention after quitting radio

Media personality and podcaster Prudence Chepkirui Tonui, popularly known as King Kalala, has shared details of her challenging journey after quitting her radio job.

The former NRG Radio presenter opened up about how she leaned on her parents’ support during a tough financial patch, revealing they helped her clear rent arrears amounting to Sh100,000.

The bold decision to quit radio

Quitting a stable job is never easy, and for Kalala, the move came with both emotional and financial implications.

Speaking during an interview on NTV, she shared how she had to break the news to her parents and ask for their support as she transitioned to the next phase of her life.

I had to tell my parents there was a problem somewhere. They ended up paying rent for me, which was building up to Sh100,000. I was like, I am not going back to the village. You guys just pay the rent, but give me like five minutes.

Although many expected her to immediately announce a move to another station, she instead took time off to re-centre herself and explore other forms of content creation.

READ ALSO: King Kalala opens up about marriage & dreams of having 7 kids

Kalala now co-hosts the podcast '3 Truths, No Lies', alongside fitness coach Frankie JustGymIt and Ugandan socialite Christine Nampeera.

'Sirudi Ocha': Staying true to her path

Kalala admitted that the thought of returning to the village after quitting radio was not an option she was willing to entertain.

I am not going to lie, quitting my job was a lot. But eventually, it requires you to show up or go to the village.

Her determination to stay afloat and remain in Nairobi, despite the challenges, showed her resilience and belief in her journey as a content creator.

READ ALSO: Claudia Naisabwa replaces King Kalala on drama-packed dating show 'Take Me Home'

Kicked out for pursuing her passion

Kalala’s struggles did not start with the job resignation. In an earlier revelation, she shared that her relationship with her father became strained when she chose content creation over the academic path he envisioned for her.

Her father, a physics professor, had hoped she would pursue sciences, especially physics.

We had a fallout with my dad when I became persistent with my intentions to pursue content creation. I remember he gave me Sh3,000 and asked me to leave (home) and go do whatever that was.

According to her, the decision to leave was not born out of defiance but from the need to follow her heart.

He gave me options: here’s Sh3,000 and leave my house and go do what you want, or stay and I will pay your Sh100,000 school fees. I opted for the former because that’s what my heart desired.

Despite the difficult start, Kalala does not harbour resentment towards her father. She noted that the decision to kick her out came from a place of misunderstanding rather than malice.

He didn’t kick me out because he didn’t love me. He just never understood and appreciated art.

Rising through the pandemic

Kalala’s breakthrough came during the COVID-19 pandemic when she began sharing humorous takes and relatable insights on relationships via social media.

Her deep, husky voice and bold personality quickly set her apart, drawing significant online attention.