By: Staff Contributor
When people say life is wonderfully unexpected and its directions unpredictable, you have to believe them. If you had asked me years ago, I never would have guessed I’d build a career in media, let alone Ethiopian radio. Yet, the seeds were planted early. Back in sixth grade, I recall being glued to the radio, soaking in Birhanu Digafe’s Leza Music. By my teenage years, I was introduced to 105.3 Afro FM, Ethiopia’s first English radio station, and I was entirely mesmerized. That fascination evolved into a deep-seated passion, ultimately leading me to spend over seven years broadcasting at the exact same station that made me fall in love with the medium. It felt like a dream come true, and throughout my years behind the mic, I always looked up to the voices making radio feel so alive.
There was one defining moment that solidified my awe for the craft. I was sitting inside my mom's cosmetics shop, the radio humming steadily in the background, when Wezwez Addis came on. The host was DJ Kingston, and I was instantly captivated. I remember wondering how incredible it must be to helm a show with that level of electric energy and sheer passion. He made broadcasting sound effortlessly lively and fun. Listening to DJ Kingston made me realize that if I had to do just one thing for the rest of my life, it would undeniably be radio. As someone who profoundly loves music, DJ Kingston inspired me to curate my own hosting style, setting the ultimate standard for the vibrant, engaging host I wanted to become. Back then, his show was quite literally everywhere. It took Addis Ababa by storm, echoing from local shops, bustling streets, and passing cars. I still vividly recall sitting in the front seat of a taxi, strapped into my seatbelt, while Wezwez Addis blasted the exact kind of rhythm that gets deep in your bones. I was so energized and restless I wanted to break free and dance right there. The driver stared at me like I had lost my mind, but I was simply lost in the groove.
DJ Kingston has been keeping the city moving through Wezwez, Addis, for well over a decade now. But behind the iconic radio moniker "DJ Kingston" is Kingston Hailu Leulseged, born on April 12, 1992, right here in Addis Ababa to parents Hailu Leulseged and Weynishet Gebire. Growing up as the youngest male alongside his two older sisters, Rahel and Helen, his love for music blossomed early, eventually propelling him into the Ethiopian media industry as one of its most reputable figures. Today, alongside his wife, talented artist Rizvan Sileshi, and DJ Kingston, he is a proud father to three children: his daughter Tekta and his sons Jonah and Ethan.
His journey to the top didn't happen overnight. He built a solid foundation as an associate producer on 96.3 FM before officially launching Wezwez Addis on Bisrat FM 101.1 in September 2014. Keeping an audience hooked for over ten years is a monumental task, especially today. In an era dominated by social media, relentless algorithms, and fleeting attention spans where traditional media is constantly declared to be dying, keeping listeners tuned in day after day requires true genius. Yet, DJ Kingston has defied the odds. By expertly blending storytelling with good music to explore social, cultural, and entertainment issues, he proved that radio isn't dying; it just needs a master at the mic. His outstanding dedication has rightfully earned DJ Kingston a shelf full of accolades, including the Abyssinia Award for Best Radio DJ in 2018 and the Media Award for Best Radio DJ in 2024. But it was his recent, groundbreaking triumph at the 2026 Africa Golden Awards that truly shifted the paradigm.
Winning "African Top Male Radio Presenter" at the prestigious Africa Golden Awards was an absolutely massive deal, not just for DJ Kingston, but for Ethiopia. To grasp the gravity of this win, you must picture the battlefield. The Africa Golden Awards are fiercely competitive and driven entirely by public participation via their official website. To even clinch a category, a nominee must secure a staggering minimum of 50,000 verified votes. DJ Kingston wasn't just up against local peers; he was battling continental heavyweights. The category featured absolute African broadcasting titans like South Africa’s legendary Robert Marawa, Kenya's beloved Gates Mgenge and Willy Tuva, alongside Rwanda’s famous Japhet Mazimpaka.
These are seasoned veterans from nations with massive, mobilized voting cultures and streamlined digital payment systems. Meanwhile, many Ethiopian supporters faced systemic hurdles with online payments and credit card restrictions just to cast verified ballots. Yet, the diaspora and locals united in an unstoppable wave of support. Defeating such titans of African broadcasting under those conditions wasn't just a victory; it was a roaring statement. It proved that absolutely nothing can get in the way of Ethiopians when we put our minds to uplifting one of our own.
Now, word has reached me that DJ Kingston is preparing for a highly prestigious international competition. To see a creator who started out filling Addis Ababa’s local taxis, cosmetics, and clothing stores with rhythm now preparing to compete among the world's best is endlessly inspiring. As an Ethiopian and a fellow broadcasting professional, I couldn't be prouder. DJ Kingston’s journey to this global stage isn't just about adding another achievement to his collection; it is a profound testament to his extraordinary talent for entertainment. It proves that the art of capturing an audience's attention, building the perfect vibe, and keeping listeners completely hooked is a universal skill, one that he has truly mastered.
I wish DJ Kingston the absolute best; he’s already proven what true talent and dedication can achieve.
