She’s the chick you HAVE to talk to when you want to talk to the boss! She’s the chick the boss refers you to when he doesn’t want to talk to you. She’s powerful, she’s insightful, intelligent, and extremely powerful (wait, I said that already, didn’t I?)
Her name is Mugure Crawford. What’s that? You’ve never heard of her? I’m sure you haven’t but know that Mugure is that CHICK to get to know; especially in the radio industry.
She works side by side to Radio One VP of Programming Mr. Jay Stevens and many other top execs at the company.
Crawford wrestles with big deals, celebrity interviews, and major contracts that you wouldn’t know anything about because you’re looking from the other end.
But where are my manners? Let me introduce you to the “Make It Happen Mogul Mommy”, Mugure Crawford:
Where are you from?
Hyattsville, Md in Prince George’s County, Md
How long have you been in the radio business?
14 years
What don’t people know about you?
I am of Kenyan descent. Both my parents come from Kenya in East Africa. This is also where my first & maiden name comes from.
(Mugure w/ 50 Cent)
What genre of music do you like to listen to the most and why?
Pop/Rhythmic because it’s easy to sing along to, learn the words, feels good, dance to,& more importantly I can play in front of my children.
What is your LET IT GO song? (one that you would absolutely lose your mind listening to)
“Rather Be” by Clean Bandit featuring Jess Glynn (it’s the Coca Cola commercial) & I dedicate that to my daughter
(Mugure w/ Daley)
You’ve met lot of celebrities, was there ever a time you had an uncomfortable celebrity encounter/interview where it went terribly wrong? Describe.
None that I would say uncomfortable in a bad way but a few that just by the way they look at you can leave u speechless or uncomfortable in a good way….ladies u feel me *winks*
Who was the best celebrity encounter and why?
50 cent because I spent almost 2 hours with him &:he shared so many great stories, answered questions all the while discussing music & business. Rico Love is wonderful to vibe with on music & life in general. And being in the studio with Frank Ocean for Channel Orange listening preview will truly be an unforgettable experience.
(Mugure w/ Mary J. Blige)
What’s the biggest misconception about MUGURE?
That I’m younger than I really I’m. That I’m always happy. That my life is perfect. That my life is easy. That I haven’t struggled or worked hard or earned everything that I have.
What don’t people SEE about MUGURE?
My sadness, frustrations, vast knowledge & experience w/ radio & the music industry. How hard it is to walk in my shoes sums it up…
What don’t people get about music when it comes to radio?
That even major artists can’t get airplay on radio, so as an independent or unsigned artist what makes you so special or entitled? Nowadays it’s about timing & having your music or movement showcased so that Radio finds you.
(Mugure w/ Thea Mitchem)
Who do you most admire in the radio industry and why?
Thea Mitchem: simply because she’s built her career remaining true to herself. Ultimately her passion for radio & the music has taken her places far beyond her expectations. She has a resilient spirit & as a woman in our business, that’s a necessity to survive. Besides, why would I follow someone who hasn’t been where I’m trying to Go? I know you asked for one person, but I’ve been blessed to work with so many phenomenal women in Radio .
From Cynthia Bullock, Michel Wright, Terri Thomas, to Karen Vaughn, Tanita Myers & Cortney Hicks.
I would be remiss if I did not mention Neke Howse. I value her drive, ambition, & tenacity. She has seen it all in the radio business. Her resume speaks volumes. From a top on air talent in some of the biggest markets to also an experienced Programmer. She is truly an “Unsung” she-ro in our industry & I’m forever grateful for her wisdom. She leads by example. She is truly passionate about music, the business; a fearless woman who lives the culture.
What was the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Stay Clear of the Drama. Focus on You!
What’s the biggest misconception about women in radio?
We don’t take direction
Where do you see urban radio in the next 10-15 years?
Mixed in with more popular music genres of all kinds. I think it will be a result in a shift of the consumer. Hopefully urban radio gets back to programming a culture and not just a format per say. Let’s get excited about the music again and in turn, draw the listener back longer to listening; which will spin out new ideas and content, thus evolving the urban radio industry .
(Mugure w/ Bevy Smith)
What do you think is wrong, if you do, with hip hop and R&B?
Not enough creativity in lyrics and not enough time focused on artist development. Plus, if you are creative with sustenance, you’re not supported. Its problems on all sides of the spectrum. And why do we feature the same artists on every record?
Who do you think is the most under-appreciated artist out there right now? Daley
(Mugure with Tinasche)
Who’s in your iPod/radar?
Hip Hop artists Childish Gambino, Logic; J. Cole, LeCrae, Inspirational Artist Travis Greene, Tasha Page Lockhart, Kiera Sheard, (Pop& R&B) Taylor Swift; Mary J. Blige; Ariana Grande; Sam Smith; K. Michelle; Teyana Taylor, Tinashe, Mr. Probz, Mary Lambert, Jessie J, Meghan Trainor, Nick Jonas, & Morgan James! (I listen to EVERYTHING!!! MUSIC FUELS MY SOUL!)
What do you want your legacy to be?
That you can still find a way to pursue your dreams and career goals without compromising your personal and family goals
Biggest regret is…
Not cussing out certain people deserving of it (usually no Grey area w/An Aries); Not having a bigger family or starting my family by the age of at least 25.
If you could trade your life for any celebrity, who would it be and why?
(funny question) Joan Rivers because she got to cuss out or talk bad about a lot of people and everyone thought it was funny. Remember, there is always a lot of truth in a little humor! LOL
(Mugure w/ Tamar Braxton)
How can people reach out to you?
Twitter @lailamommy
Email: mugurecrawford@gmail.com
FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER/IG @JustKiKiBrown
FAN ME ON FACEBOOK @MsKiKiBrown
More powerful BOSS-CHICKS you may want to know:
ThisRadioChickRocks 
Supported Women Support Women I can’t thank you enough for this opportunity! #RadioChicks Rock!! Keep Doing Your Thing Kiki!!
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I just had to let you know how inspiring your interview was. Thank you. God bless.
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I Really Appreciate your Reply! Thank You & Praise God
For giving women like Kiki Brown courage to create this Forum!
Keep Pushing Sis!
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