Carol Ofori: Finding Her Voice, Sharing Her Light

Few voices in South African media radiate the warmth, wit, and honesty of Carol Ofori. Whether she’s lighting up the airwaves on East Coast Radio, lending her distinctive voice to global brands, or inspiring young readers through her children’s books, Carol has built a career defined by versatility, heart, and purpose.

With a journey spanning radio, television, voice artistry, and literature, she continues to evolve — not just as a broadcaster, but as a storyteller whose authenticity and connection remain her greatest strengths. Now, as she reflects on her path and the lessons she’s learned along the way, Carol shares insights on storytelling, staying grounded, and the power of knowing your purpose.

You’ve built an incredible career as a broadcaster, voice-over artist, and media personality. Looking back, what moments shaped who you are today?

There have been quite a few defining moments! I’ve been blessed with people who believed in me and gave me opportunities, but I’ve also put in the work — constantly learning, upskilling, and seeking mentorship. I’ve had mentors for every part of my career, from radio to voice work to writing, and they’ve been invaluable sounding boards.

Most importantly, I always remind myself why I’m doing what I do. That sense of purpose keeps me grounded and helps me make the right choices. And, of course, I’m deeply grateful for the God-given talent I’ve been entrusted with.

You’re one of South Africa’s most sought-after voice artists. How did that journey begin?

Funny enough, I didn’t even know voice-over work was a career when I started! A former colleague at 947, Simon Parkinson, once told me I had a great voice and should look into getting an agent. I did my research, found one, and the rest is history. But it wasn’t instant success — it took years of consistency, practice, and perseverance to really build something meaningful.

You host the weekday 9am–12pm show on East Coast Radio. How do you connect so authentically with your listeners?

I remind myself that my listeners are just like me — real people with real lives. I make mistakes on air, laugh at myself, and share stories that others can relate to. That vulnerability and honesty help me connect. It takes time to truly be yourself behind the mic, but once you drop the ‘radio voice’ and just be you, that’s when the real magic happens.

You’ve spoken to some remarkable personalities. Which interviews stand out most?

Interviewing Nelson Mandela is one I’ll never forget. I was a rookie reporter at the time and managed to ask him a question after a press event — I barely remember what he said because I was in absolute awe!

And then there was Morris Chestnut — that was nerve-wracking for very different reasons! (laughs) Over the years, I’ve had countless conversations that have inspired me and taught me something new about resilience, passion, and humanity.

Broadcasting has changed so much with social media and digital platforms. How have you adapted?

It’s definitely been a learning curve! As a millennial, I had to push myself to embrace social media more openly. I wasn’t always comfortable sharing parts of my life online, but I realised that if I wanted to stay relevant and connect with new audiences, I had to evolve. Now I enjoy it — engaging, sharing, and meeting my audience where they are, both on-air and online.

You work across radio, voice, television, and writing. How do these creative outlets bring out different sides of you?

Each one allows me to express a different kind of storytelling. Radio is my first love — it’s pure, imaginative, and intimate. Voice work lets me convey stories through tone and emotion. Television brings presence and visual storytelling. And writing children’s books allows me to connect with young readers and spark their imagination. It’s a beautiful balance of creativity that keeps me fulfilled.

You’ve received several accolades. What does recognition mean to you?

Awards are wonderful, but for me, the greatest recognition comes from my peers. When someone in the industry tells you that you’ve inspired them or asks you to mentor them — that’s everything. It means your work has made a genuine impact, and that’s worth more than any trophy.

You often use your platform to uplift women. What message do you hope to share with others chasing their dreams?

Every Wednesday on my show, we do a Woman Crush Wednesday feature to celebrate incredible women doing remarkable things. My message is simple: know your “why.”

When you’re rooted in purpose, you won’t be shaken by criticism or external pressure. This industry is subjective — not everyone will like what you do, or even like you. And that’s okay. Stay true to your voice, believe in your work, and keep moving forward.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

You’re going to be okay. There will be challenges and moments of doubt, but keep your faith strong and stay grounded in God. Everything happens for a reason, and every experience prepares you for what’s next.

As she looks ahead, Carol remains focused on growth, gratitude, and using her platform to make a difference.

“Every chapter of my career has taught me something new about myself and the power of storytelling,” she says. “If I can inspire someone to chase their passion, stay true to who they are, and keep their faith through it all — then I’ve done what I was meant to do.”

Grounded in faith and guided by purpose, Carol Ofori continues to prove that success in media isn’t just about having a voice — it’s about using it to uplift, inspire, and connect.