On a beautiful day in the early 2000’s, a group of siblings sit in front of a television screen in their Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha) home. Kuhle Adams is one of them. Jam Alley and The Weakest Link form part of the shows they watch and later replicate during playtime. 

Reminiscing about her childhood, 28-year-old television host and MC, Kuhle Adams, links parts of her childhood to who she has grown to become. 

“I have four siblings that I grew up with in my immediate family, but I have half siblings from my dad’s side. I am the last of seven. It was really fun to be a part of this cohort of siblings, especially with different personalities and age gaps.”

Equally, she acknowledged the hardship which came with growing up in a single-parent household. Speaking fondly of her mother, she expressed gratitude and reverence for the pillar she continues to be. 

“Shout out to her because she’s done a really great job with making sure that we get through high school, university and that we are somewhat settled in life or at least have a sense of direction,” she shared. 

It is through the love and support of her mother, siblings and close community that the television host and MC is where she is in life today. 

Television…the fruition of childhood dreams 

From replicating legendary TV hosts as a child to MCing events at her residence in university and even hosting a show on UCT Radio, Adams was always unconsciously preparing for her first audition. 

When she was 19 years old, the opportunity finally came. 

“Because my peers had an idea of my interests and my personality, they would tag me every time an opportunity would land on social media. 

At the time, a production company was looking for a presenter for a show on SABC 2.”

After sending through her audition tape, she received a callback and was successful. 

“That was my first ever TV gig. It was a kids’ show called Roughing It Out on SABC 2. We shot that in the Northern Cape and parts of the Western Cape,” she said. 

Since then, she has been no stranger to our television screens. In fact, she became etched in the memories of many viewers during MTV’s VJ search in 2017. She has also presented entertainment shows on VOOV TV and Channel O. The talented host is also known for being a part of SABC 3’s variety breakfast show Expresso. 

“And I’ve just been growing since then, tapping into opportunities and doors that I wasn’t necessarily able to access during the pandemic. It’s been really good being back in Johannesburg and fully putting myself out there.”

Although she values every milestone in her career, Adams views hosting the SAFTAs Craft Awards alongside Carl Wastie as a career highlight.  

“It was a huge responsibility because you are presenting for industry peers, pioneers and leaders. People who have been in this game for the longest time. 

You hold that moment with so much honour and reverence. You want to show up with integrity and not only perform but fully immerse yourself.”

A life of greatness 

As a lover of people and life at large, she believes that greatness and service go hand-in-hand. Beyond making great and admirable career moves, a life of greatness for her also extends to helping others and living a life of service.

“My mom is a retired teacher and charity comes easily for her. It’s very fulfilling to watch her serve other people. I believe in sharing resources and information, as well as being able to assist someone else to lead a life of their dreams.”

On days when she is not honing her craft, Adams can be found spending quality time with her friends or relaxing on her couch watching The Real Housewives of Durban. She also knits (a hobby which she thinks is granny-coded but so cool) and regularly grabs a paintbrush to tap into her creative side. 

“I’m not good, at all,” she expressed laughingly. “But I have found painting to be a very interesting medium of expression. The process of mixing colours, conceptualising something and seeing the final product is something I have found to be quite fulfilling”. 

The power of the mind and daring to dream…

For youngsters who seek to live out their wildest dreams, Adams encourages the beauty of inspiration and believing in their dreams. Beyond pure excellence, hard work and dedication, she herself has drawn inspiration from stars she shares a hometown with such as LootLove, Scoop Makhathini and Masasa Mbangeni. 

“Seeing them do it gave me tunnel vision and made me believe that I can do it as well. I would like to encourage people to dream beyond what is happening in front of them. 

Do not be limited by your current circumstances. Trust that things are working out in your favour. Believe that you can achieve anything that you put your mind to.”