HOUSTON—Famously known for her fearless interviewing skills, Nnete Iyangumia was the femme touch of the Madd Hatta Morning Show at Houston’s 97.9 The Box radio station.
The “First Lady” of the show was known for her quick wit and jab-for-jab exchanges with DJs Madd Hatta, J Mac and Jimbo, while keeping us up to date on the latest celebrity gossip with her “That’s What’s Up” segments for morning listeners.
How it all began and what’s next on the horizon for the diva has been keeping faithful fans abuzz.
In 2001, Nnete auditioned to be “Diva for a Day,” and that one day turned into a 10-year gig on one of the top hip hop shows in the nation.
The University of Houston grad was a Theater major first, before changing her degree plan and earning her Bachelors of Administration in Finance. She is also member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Her Nigerian parents were ushering her toward a career in law, medicine or business – the traditional or “steady” route. But there was something else in the cards (and stars) for Nnete and a question from Mad Hatta helped her solidify her career choice.
“He asked ‘Are you going to live your dream or your parents’ dream?’ And that made me think,” she said.
She then left her paid INROADS internship at Shell and began interning full-time (and for free) at the station.
With her parents’ blessings, she chose to continue living at home during college so she could afford to take advantage of the opportunity at the station.
“My parents wanted to be sure that I would be self sufficient. I had to prove that their dream was paving the way for my dream,” she said, adding that she also had help from up above; her sister Uduak, who passed away in 1998.
“Uduak means ‘God’s Will,’ and I truly believe she’s been my guardian angel,” Nnete said. “I have always had those people around me who pushed me out of my comfort zone and she always wanted me to go for my dream.”
She got busy after that at the station.
“I was persistent. I was learning, watching, answering the phones and I just kept asking for more responsibilities,” she said. And it all paid off.
Nnete landed a permanent spot on the morning show and became a force to be reckoned with, never shying away from controversial topics and always asking celebrities what the fans wanted to know during interviews.
But like all things, change is inevitable and more opportunities come with growth.
Nnete had a natural knack for making people laugh, and in true favor, she was invited to open for comedian Charlie Murphy, the brother of Eddie Murphy. She was hooked after that. She enrolled in acting classes and began to prepare for something, even though she was uncertain of what it was.
“I knew something was going to happen so I just had to be ready and I said ‘let’s figure this out,’” Nnete explained.
In May 2012, Nnete left the “The Box” and H-Town and headed to Hollywood to work at the Skits and Bits Show with her friend Billy Sorrells, a Texas Southern University graduate. Sorrells began encouraging Nnete to do comedy after the two hosted a step show together in 2006. Sorrell’s show was aired on Foxxhole, the Sirius XM radio channel for comedian/singer/ Academy Award-winning actor Jaime Foxx. (Sorrells will be on the upcoming season of BET’s Comic View, hosted by Sommore.)
Nnete—media personality, actor, and now standup comedian — is coming home to give us all taste at the Improv (7620 Katy Freeway) on Wednesday, August 14, as part of “Sol-Caritas’ Houston’s All-Stars of Comedy.”
In addition to Nnete, “Latin Prince” Mark Viera, Jerry Carrillo, Del Harrison, Rich Williams and host Terry “Grossman” Gross will be bringing us what they describe as “no holds barred, side-splitting, brilliantly original performances.”
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THE SHOW!
Photo Credit: Kim Dicey Douglas
Her voice is unique, her character is distinct and her talent is undeniably taking her to new heights. And the diva recently revealed more exciting news.
On July 18, she filmed her first infomercial for Plate Toppers, remarking that the 14-hour day flew by and how exciting it was as the inventor, Mike Tseng, watched his vision come to life.
After that, she made another big step.
“Ahhhhh!!! I booked an acting role for FX!!! I am so grateful to have wonderful people around me that truly BELIEVE!! Thank you Elev8 Talent Agency!!” Nnete posted on her Facebook page on August 6. “God is Good!! #humbled #excited #fly”
She also posted an inspirational quote, which seems to sum up this new phase of her life best.
”When you want something all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it”. ~Paulo Coelho (The Alchemist)
Congratulations Nnete and good luck on the show!
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