Radio is fast growing in the old city of Cape Coast and one man making a lot of buzz on the airwaves is the humble, quiet reserved but very outspoken Lucas Candid Mensah also known as the Candyman. He dishes out good music and food to the soul on his Sunday ‘Omo Tuo Special’ on Ahomka FM.

With over six years in radio and still counting, Candyman is a young man in his late twenties and started radio in a very modest beginning. His first radio experience began on Radio Central when he was inspired to take up radio as a profession. Starting as a sport presenter at Radio Central, Candyman was determined to sit behind the console one day and play music instead of presenting sports.

He later moved from Radio Central to Radio Valco which increased his fan base. At Valco he had numerous offers from different radio stations until he decided to settle with Ahomka FM. The name Candyman he says emerged from a signature tune from the hit song ‘Candyman’ back in the days. It was the song he used to announce his presence on air to his listeners. After the popularity of the song had dwindled, he decided to use the name Candyman and that has been his claim to fame till date. Asked how positive the name has been on his career, he says, “The name has actually given me a definition of myself and it has really made an impact in my career. That, I can’t deny”.

The Candyman is very passionate about the subject of child trafficking and he had this to say: “Child trafficking is very bad in society as you will not love to see your little sister or brother taken away for one trade or the other. People who engage in child trafficking must know that it’s a devilish act and refrain from it. There is also the need for the government to intervene because children are the future”.

He spoke vehemently against payola which has been a canker in the radio and music industry for sometime now: “Payola kills a presenter and destroys the career of a musician, as for me I hate the idea of payola and I don't want to be part of it. If your music is good, I will definitely play it”.

Recounting some of his craziest moments, he remembered a day back in high school when he shouted ‘oh yes’ at the assembly hall on top of his voice during one of their usual general Praises and Worship session. This was during the chorus to the infamous ‘trust and obey’ hymnal. This weird moment and act of bravery did not only earn him the name ‘senior oh yes’ but also landed him in trouble.

As to how he relates to his fans, he says “the ladies have not been problems at all”. A lot of ladies come around and ask to go out with him but as a very principled person with good training, he knows what he wants. “I simply treat them nice when they come around no matter who you are”, he said smiling. He believes radio is an interesting job even though it has really not paid off but he entreats anyone who really wants to go into it to take it seriously and make sure that is truly what they want to do.

The Candyman attended St Mary’s boys in Takoradi and ever since has taken some short courses in journalism at GBC, GIJ and other institutions. He also manages a beach resort in Cape Coast which makes it difficult for him to make time for relaxation. But when he is not in the studios making sure listeners are entertained, he is either playing football or swimming.

At Ahomka FM, he is the host of the mid-morning show from Mondays to Fridays, the chart show on Saturdays and the Sundays Omo tuo special. He is not an outing type of a person but enjoys his Sunday Omo tuo at his favourite joint. He is very single, still searching and for the ladies who are yearning to have a day out or lunch with the smooth Candyman; a simple plantain ampesie with egg stew and a non-alcoholic wine will ensure that you have him for the rest of the night.

Story by Cleff Justice