Style with Azeezah Hashim

Azeezah rose to the challenge, consistently topping her class at Kenya High School with outstanding results. She was admitted to university to study medicine, a path she boldly chose to forgo. From a young age, she found herself drawn to the powerful presence of celebrated media icons like Jeff Koinange, Caroline Mutoko, and South Africa’s Bonang Matheba. Their commanding voices and magnetic storytelling lit a spark in her. Recognising her daughter’s passion, Azeezah’s mother encouraged her to pursue a degree in journalism at the University of Nairobi.

Balancing academics and ambition, she worked as a tours and travel marketing agent while grabbing every opportunity to hone her craft, whether it was hosting campus radio shows, creating digital content, or taking screen tests. One such opportunity came through renowned journalist Janet Mbugua, who offered her a TV screen test. Azeezah, then still battling shyness, did not follow through but it was a moment that planted a deeper seed in her.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, she took on a full-time role as an Assistant Marketing Manager at an electronics company, while auditioning for roles in radio and television. Her persistence paid off. Today, Azeezah holds her own as both a radio and television host at a leading Kenyan media house, a dream realised through grit, grace, and an unwavering belief in her calling.

Your career has taken a bold and unconventional path stepping away from medicine to carve your space as a DJ, Voice Over Artist and MC. What do your parents think of this?

They are very happy with what I have been able achieve. Their main message is to always remain grounded, have a stand and stay disciplined with what I do.

You are constantly in the public eye, how significant is visual presence in shaping your personal brand, and what role does fashion play in helping you stand out and assert your identity in such a competitive space?

Visual presence is a language on its own. It speaks long before you say a word. It is in the fine details of your scent, your makeup, your hair, your shoes. In the world of entertainment, where the spotlight captures more than just your voice, style becomes a statement. I am very intentional about how I present myself whether I am on TV, online, at a corporate event, or even a concert. Over time, this visual consistency has shaped my identity and built a community that connects with me through fashion and style.

With a growing wave of homegrown talent redefining Kenyan fashion, how often do you choose to wear “Made in Kenya” brands?

I wear a lot of Made in Kenya collections, and I also proudly support brands from across the region as well. For me, fashion is not just about style, it is a deliberate expression of identity, creativity, and purpose. Every look I wear is curated with intention, and I often tailor my wardrobe to suit the project that I am working on. I also make a point of working with young designers, tailors, and stylists. I collaborate frequently with Stylist Melina Gold and the talented Congolese designer of BB Collective. Their vision and energy constantly inspire me. Pinterest is one of my favourite creative tools. I spend hours browsing and saving looks that spark my imagination.

Can you recall a culturally inspired look you have worn that carried personal meaning and also resonated deeply with your audience?

Two outfits immediately come to mind. They are crafted by the talented Tanzanian designer Michael Williams. He just understands me. Every time we work together, he takes the vision in my head and brings it to life with such precision and flair. The first was a flowing peach beaded gown I wore while hosting Hamisa Mobetto’s wedding earlier this year. The design included sculptural details on either side inspired by kangaroo horns, an unexpected touch that gave the look both grace and strength. It was feminine, fluid, and full of presence. The second look holds deep personal meaning. I wore it in May while hosting the Africa Soft Power Gala Dinner. Rooted in my Kikuyu heritage, the outfit incorporated cowrie shells, a symbol of wealth and womanhood across many African cultures. But instead of the traditional brown tones often associated with Kikuyu attire, we chose to go with a striking shade of blue. It felt like a contemporary nod to tradition honouring where I come from while stepping boldly into the now.

Do you typically purchase the outfits from designers, or are they part of collaborative projects?

I actually pay for all the outfits I wear from designers, which is part of the reason why my hosting rates are on the higher side. I must factor in the full look outfit, hair, and makeup because presentation really matters in what I do. I also work with a photographer who captures editorial style shots before each event. Those images double up as press photos and social media content, so every detail counts. After an event is done, I do not repeat outfits, I give some out to family and friends and some I lease out to stylists for photoshoots.

Which fashion pieces take up the most space in your wardrobe?

I would say all my outfits take up the most space. I regularly conduct a wardrobe overhaul. I am thinking of moving into a bigger house with an extra room for my outfits. I also thrift a lot and believe in looking fabulous on a budget. I would say that I have close to 200 pairs of shoes, and close to 150 pairs of sunglasses. My perfume and wig collection is also quite large.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I do not want to limit God in what I can do in the next five years. I have seen myself accomplish so much in the last six months that I would have thought would take me three years to accomplish. My vision is so clear, I want to host the Black Entertainment Television Awards (BET). I also want my own show on E! News where I can travel the world and interview the biggest stars. I also hope to be married and have a family by then. I would love to be a mum when the time and person is right.

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