It’s been days of uncontrollable tears and mourning on the Kumasi Cluster premises of the Excellence In Broadcasting (EIB) Network after the sudden demise of Ultimate FM’s breakfast Show Host and Programs Manager Mr. Julius Caesar Anadem.
In a rather sudden turn of events, Caesar went to be with the Lord on Thursday January 2nd, 2024 after a very short ailment.
Colleagues who had been with him all week were left in shock and tears as management delivered the heartbreaking news, prompting staff to gather at the Abusua and Ultimate FM offices. Nana Benyin Anumel, Events, Brands, and Marketing Manager, expressed his sorrow over his last conversation with Anadem the night before his passing.
Events, Brands and Marketing Manager Nana Benyin Anumel could not hold back his sorrow describing his last conversation with Caesar the night before his unexpected departure.
Even the day before he died, I was on phone talking to Caesar and I think I should have taken a cue from the kind of advice he gave to me. Caesar told me Nana we for take care of wona selfs oo! Our health be very important. Make sure you do all the checks. Nana Take care of yourself.
“Meanwhile the conversation was about a DJ coming to play in the studio. So where was the ‘take care of yourself…. take care of yourself,” The next moment I am called that Caesar is off,”
“Truth be told; I haven’t wept like this over anybody’s loss in all my life. Caesar is that pivot who carries everybody’s trouble. Sometimes, you marvel at what kind of person Caesar is,” he lamented.
Business Manager Daniel Attah Aggrey could barely hold himself virtually drenched in tears.
“I had a lot of plans with Caesar. He is always this positive guy when you bring the idea. He goes like ‘kai this will work let’s go’. Only to hear that he is no more. It hit me so hard and how can I stop crying,” he shared sobbing.
Brunch and Lunch host Sarah Brefo, who would always take over the baton from Caesar was lost for words as she wondered how she was going to miss Caesar’s voice ushering her into the studio.
She recounted, “The moment I walk in he will tell you SBee you have made the boys ‘Bo Jack’ and no matter your mood, you will just be laughing even before you start your show.
“When I walk in early in the morning, I wouldn’t hear Caesar’s voice anymore. I will miss him; his pieces of advice, his understanding nature…”.
Host of the Ultimate Drive Mr. Berry was bathed with grief recounting his special moments both on air and off air with Julius Caesar Anadem.
‘I am still yet to come to terms with what is happening because I’ve worked closely with Caesar both on air and off-air,”
“I can’t find words to describe Caesar. He has this energy and aura around him that by the time you move from the reception to the studio, you know he is around. That energy, that warmth and that aura, we are going to miss,” he recollected.
El Lizato another close colleague to Caesar narrated having eaten kenkey and stew together with Caesar and DJ Ricky in the office kitchen the day before his passing and the jokes they both shared before patting ways.
Brief Professional Highlights
Before he joined Ultimate FM then Ultimate Radio in 2014, Caesar’s media career which spans more than two decades saw him work as a passionate journalist, features and documentaries maker, news editor, programs manager and an astute host of news and current affairs programs on a number of television, Radio, newspaper and online platforms.
Notable media stations he has worked with include GBC, the Graphic Group, the Multimedia Group, Skyy and Radio Max in Takoradi
His prominent works which included a revealing undercover documentary on Girls trafficked from Nigeria to other countries for commercial sex work, ‘Sex Girls in Shackles’ aired on the BBC, resulting in a swift rescue action from Nigerian authorities and a couple of arrests of the women leading the deadly syndicate.
Under his leadership of the Ultimate Newsroom, the station garnered thirteen GJA Ashanti Awards; a Media Foundation for West Africa UNSDGs reporting award; a RICKMES award on Disability Reporting; a U.S Embassy YAMC McBIRD award; an American Humanitarian Award and very recently the only award in the EMIS category of the maiden Technology Industry Media Excellence Awards of the Telecoms Chamber.
The family of Mr. Caesar Anadem is yet to communicate funeral arrangements as they hold discussions with the station to finalize plans.
