Kofi Okyere Darko is one of few radio presenters who are always spotted with a smile on their faces. He is always elegantly dressed and ever-ready to help a brother or sister move up the ladder.

KOD, as he is called in showbiz circles, has carved a niche for himself in the Ghanaian media as one who wants the industry and its players to grow.

Born at Winneba in the Central Region, KOD has a thing for the spotlight, and it showed in his dress sense and sometimes outrageous fashion statements. But that is what gets him around and growing in entertainment circles.

The 31-year-old showbiz tycoon, who is also the host of MTN Ghana Music Awards Count Down on GTV, told Beatwaves yesterday that he started broadcasting at the age of 20, and worked with ace radio presenters like Kwami Sefa Kayi, Shirley Frempong Manso, BB Menson and Fiifi Banson at Radio Gold.

KOD is the only presenter who has hosted every programme on Radio Gold and undoubtedly the most-sought-after presenter in Ghana.

His relationship with legends like KKD (Kwesi Kyei Darkwah) and Yaw Addo Darkwah has made it easier for him to slip through the cracks.

Beatwaves: How long have you been working as a broadcaster?

KOD: I have been on radio for the past 10 years and have worked with almost all the seasoned radio presenters who went through Radio Gold and hosted a number of programmes on Radio Gold from ‘African Safari’, launch time programmes, as well as the evening drives.

Beatwaves: Can you tell us some of the programmes you have hosted.

KOD: I have over the years hosted Ghana Music Awards on five occasions; the maiden edition of Miss Malaika TV reality show; the African Music Festival with Kojo Antwi; Coca Cola HIV-AIDS Caravan across West Africa; Nescafe African Revelation; national and Pan-African competitions from its inception in 2004.

I also hosted Miss Ghana 2007 regional events; Miss Ghana UK 2007; maiden edition of Nollywood Gala Night at the Coliseum to honour Nigerian actors and actresses in Ikeja, Lagos; Ghana's Golden Jubilee in Switzerland and England; and MTN Music Fiesta with Shaggy (international Reggae superstar) among others.

As a proud Ghanaian and for that matter an Ashanti, KOD is one of those who have paraded the world with the national flag, and together with Mawuli Kofi Okudzeto, they created some of the clothes worn during the 2006 World Cup and Ghana's Golden Jubilee Celebrations.

Beatwaves: Is it true that you own a company.
KOD: I own a company called BLAQ Kapricorn, an events and artiste management company which I established before my 25th birthday.

My company has contributed to the rise to fame of many music stars like Daasebre Gyamena, Ofori Amponsah, Nana Quame, Tinny, Wutah, Praye, and Kofi B and a host of others.

Together with my team, I have planned and executed high rewarding events and major campaigns for major organizations including Rothmans OJ Challenge, production of Rice Master's theme song for Black Stars World Cup Radio and TV campaigns, Nescafe African Revelation, NOKIA Beach Fiesta, Celebrating 10 years of Hip Life, Miss Ghana UK and Passion for Fashion, a fashion revue to outdoor MKOGH jeans collection.

KOD has appeared on major covers and showbiz journals including Agoo Magazine, Daily Guide, Graphic Showbiz, Jive, Ovation West Africa, The Mirror and Daily Graphic, to mention a few.

He speaks with clarity on issues affecting the arts, fashion, violence against women and children and good governance.

He still has vivid memories of his childhood and he recalls his parents not being worried at all over his passion for entertainment.

Mr. James Aidoo, his father (a former director of the Ghana Prisons) and Mrs. Margaret Aidoo, an educationist according to him, were never imposing “as long as you were doing the right thing”.

“I first spoke on radio at age five. My serious radio career started after completing my ‘A’ Levels,” he stated.

KOD says he will be getting married soon, but he still does not know which year it will be. “Marriage is important and I wouldn’t want to come out of it when I get in,” he says. “So I’m taking my time.”

Although he doesn’t speak much about his rumored romantic relationships, he admits he has quite a number of good friends who are ladies.

KOD has the ambition of being a member of parliament but in the meantime he plans to do some upgrading to tune up for that spot.

He told Beatwaves “My ten years in showbiz have been wonderful and I have come across incredible personalities who have now become my very good friends”.

He hopes for a day when musicians will be properly recognized and supported in the country because arts and entertainment are part of Africa.

“You cannot celebrate the continent without those in the arts.”