We recently connected with Robert Apiyo and have shared our conversation below.

Robert, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Growing up I always had a penchant for leaders, innovators and creatives who changed the world with their creativity. From engineers such as Nikola Tesla and the Wright Brothers, to musicians and poets including Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Nina Simone, Bob Dylan, Brenda Fassie, Johnny Cash, Fela Kuti to painters such as Picasso, and other world leaders such as Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, Gandhi, Pele, Maradona, Mohammed Ali, Mekatilili Wa Menza and Dedan Kimathi.

While a lot of them came from humble backgrounds, they found their calling and made quite exceptional achievements within their own communities and the world in general. I’m not saying that each if them were perfect either.

As I grew older, the lingering question regarding my own legacy often criss crossed my mind.

So, a couple of years ago, I thought of an idea that would mean so much to me while utilizing the current digital disruption. Establishing a voice for the voiceless. A creative way to uplift the voices of the everyday folk while aiming to bridge gaps in a deeply divided world.

So, I would save up part of my graduate assistantship stipend and used it to launch Nesta News Network-Radio (NNN RADIO). This happened while I was still pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Oregon. The knowledge I gathered while pursuing a Master’s degree in media innovation at the University of Nevada, Reno also came in handy, as well as my background in broadcasting.

NNN Radio is an internet subaltern counter public radio space – which features media content from creatives around the world who are rarely featured in the mainstream media. You can check out the station on AppStore. It’s also a one stop shop to catch plenty of music, poetry, syndicated shows and podcasts from creatives around the globe.

The space that hosts the station means so much to me on a personal level. I call it the Emily Diana studios. It’s named after my late mom who always wanted to be a broadcaster but never had a chance to achieve her dreams. I have never earned a single dime from it. Even though I have tens of thousands of people tuning in. I’m doing it out of my love to bring people together and bridge boundaries.

On a light note, I just wish I had the opportunity to fammiliarize myself with computer technology from an early age. I would be the richest man today…Hahaha!
I’m a country boy who grew up in rural Western Kenya. Computers were acessible to me a little too late in life. That’s just for laughs by the way.

I still give thanks for life you know? It’s not all about the money. It’s about a dream coming to life. A burning desire deep down to connect people. And that to me means a little bit more than just silver or gold. Love and unity all the way.

Robert, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Dr. Robert Apiyo. Most people call me Prince Nesta.

Currenty, I’m an Assistant Professor of Communication and Media Studies at the University of Tampa, Florida where I teach both theoretical and production media classes. Although I feel I’m quite multitalented, I think I was born to be a broadcaster. Infact, I like to refer to myself as a recovering broadcaster. I feel radio chose me and I chose it back. There’s something about radio. It’s always calm before the storm. Hahaha! That describes my personality too. With podcasting I still find them fascinating as a great source of knowledge. Chaps can talk about their skinny jeans and torn socks for hours. That’s quite enrapturing I feel. Quite incredible what’s going on. So creative! All thanks to the niche audiences.

I have been in the US since 2017. I came here to study and have since earned a master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Nevada, Reno and a doctorate from the University of Oregon. Quite blessed honestly. Never in my wildest imagination did I ever feel I would achieve such milestones. At times I feel it’s too good to be true. Anyone can defintely make it in this life. Nothing is impossible!

I alo like to engage in sports. I enjoy playing badminton, basketball, checkers, and soccer. I don’t mind hiking, roadtrips or staying on my couch all day long…
I’m a multilingual speaker, quite adventurous and try to spend as much time discovering the world. More like work like a captain and play like a sailor.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Books that have shaped my school of thought include Catch a Fire by Bob Marley, Miriam Pawel’s The Crusades of Cesar Chavez, Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela, The Wretched of the Earth by Frantz Fanon, and other authors such as James Baldwin, Howard Zinn, Chinua Achebe, Ngugi wa Thiongo, Maya Angelou, Jamaica Kincaid, Barbara Kimenye, Noam Chomsky have also inspired me.

I’m currently reading the Leaderless Revolution by Carne Ross, and next on my list is the Unsteady March by Philip Klinkner.

I have also been inspired by musicians and poets such as Bob Marley, Nina Simone, Whitney Houston, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Tupac Shakur, Janis Joplin, Gwendolyn Brooks, Nikki Giovanni, Audre Lorde, Mtabaruka, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Nasio Fontaine, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Jimmi Hendrix, Dolly Parton, Buju Banton, Jimmy Cliff, UB40 and many more.

While I enjoy a wide array of global music, including Hip Hop, African and even Old Skool Country music, Reggae music still remains my ‘Sunday’s’ best genre of music..Oh yeah! All day all year long. I need a dose of it at least a couple of times a day. Specifically Roots and Old Skool Dancehall. Its coverage and exploration of themes of love, freedom, humanity, equality, peace, and justice have always resonated with me. It uplifts me, motivates me and keeps me going. The Dj’s use various styles to connect with their audiences. Humor, toasting, and dancing styles which are so contagious.

I have hosted so many Reggae shows in the course of my career and have been honored to interact with some music legends.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

When you’re born with nothing you’ve got everything to gain. I think it fuels a burning desire deep down for me to always strive to succeed. A desire to leave a mark, connect people and inspire them. Of course, while learning from my own mistakes. Fear of failure is always lingering. Puts me in a state of always wondering what’s next?

The results of which leaves me pretty open minded to think broadly, learn new ways and network even more. Sort of a free spirited mental state. A mantra that has always been a guiding light and source of inspiration. After all, the race is not for the swift, the battle is not for the strong. Victory only goes to those who endure for long. Toughness is key. Especially in this world of competition.

Living in various places around the world has also had a profound influence on my life. It makes me see things a bit differently.

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Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prince.nesta.18
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-o-apiyo-ph-d-aaa28958/
• Twitter: https://x.com/princenesta
• Other: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nnn-radio/id1558212885