“I don’t come from a rich family… we did hassle” – Berla Mundi

3–5 minutes

Introduction

In a world where the spotlight often reveals only the glamorous facade of success, Berla Mundi’s story stands out as a beacon of authenticity and perseverance.

Born Berlinda Addardey on April 1, 1988, Berla’s rise from the streets of Accra to becoming one of Ghana’s most influential media personalities is a tale woven with resilience, hard work, and unwavering determination.

Her journey, marked by overcoming personal struggles and professional hurdles, exemplifies the power of believing in oneself and striving for greatness against all odds.

As she continues to captivate audiences and inspire countless individuals, Berla Mundi’s story is not just about achieving success but about redefining what it means to rise above adversity and become a true trailblazer in the media industry.

Early Life and Education

Berla grew up moving between various neighbourhoods in Accra, including North Kaneshie, Teshie, Cantonment, and Mataheko. Raised primarily by her mother after her parents’ divorce, Berla’s early life was marked by financial struggles.

Reflecting on her upbringing, she shared, “I don’t come from a rich family. I mean, we did hassle. We used to rely on my mom, who was the only breadwinner at that point.”

Despite these challenges, Berla excelled academically. She attended St. Theresa’s School and Achimota School before pursuing linguistics and psychology at the University of Ghana. Her commitment to education extended to studying French at Alliance Française and earning a master’s degree in public relations from the Ghana Institute of Journalism.

Entry into the Media Industry

Berla’s entry into the media industry came unexpectedly through the 2010 Miss Malaika beauty pageant. Although she did not win, the pageant experience opened doors for her.

“I decided to partake in Miss Malaika Ghana. I was such a greenhorn, but I knew I wanted to become something, I wasn’t really sure what. Even though I had always known that eventually I’d end up on TV, I wasn’t sure how soon that would happen. So during the pageant, the organisers realised that there was something in me that they had to tap into,” Berla recalls.

After completing her degree, Berla undertook her national service with Charterhouse, leading to an opportunity at the newly launched GHOne TV. She began with voiceovers and soon landed her first on-air role, hosting a short entertainment news segment called Daily Buzz.

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Rising Through the Ranks

Berla’s natural talent and work ethic quickly became evident. She took on more prominent roles, hosting reality shows and corporate events. Her breakthrough came when she began hosting The Late Afternoon Show on GHOne, which significantly elevated her profile.

Her achievements have not gone unnoticed. Berla has received several awards, including TV Female Entertainment Show Host of the Year at the RTP Awards and Media Personality of the Year at the Glitz Style Awards.

Transition to TV3 and Current Success

In 2019, Berla made a high-profile transition to TV3, part of the Media General group. This move marked a new chapter in her career, allowing her to take on more challenging roles, including hosting political discussions and current affairs programs.

Reflecting on this transition, Berla states, “I knew this is a new challenge, I have to give it my all, so I’m prepared.”

Today, Berla is one of Ghana’s most sought-after broadcasters, hosting shows like New Day and The Day Show on TV3. Her influence has expanded internationally, with her hosting segments of the Global Citizen Festival in both Accra and Paris.

Personal Growth and Giving Back

Berla’s journey has been marked not only by professional success but also by personal growth and a commitment to giving back. She openly discusses overcoming personal challenges and using her platform to inspire others.

“I came from a broken place. I was a young woman who didn’t understand myself… Every time I got on TV, it was a healing place for me because every time I saw the cameras, it gave me that opportunity to work on myself and to build upon my confidence. And as much as I was trying to heal myself, I was trying to heal as many young people out there like me,” Berla explains.

This desire to uplift others led to the launch of her mentorship and career guidance project, B.You by Berla Mundi, which aims to empower young women and girls.

Conclusion

Berla Mundi’s ascent from a hesitant young woman to one of Ghana’s leading media figures is a compelling story of perseverance, hard work, and personal development.

Her journey serves as an inspiration to many, particularly young women, demonstrating that with determination and faith, it is possible to overcome obstacles and achieve one’s aspirations.

As Berla continues to grow in her career and expand her influence, she remains dedicated to using her platform to inspire and empower others, solidifying her role as a significant media personality and a role model for a new generation of Ghanaians.

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2 replies on ““I don’t come from a rich family… we did hassle” – Berla Mundi”

Good afternoon Rev Bro, thanks much for sharing.
Please what also got my attention most
was though, Berla had no control of her family background, but was so determined to write a ” New Story” not for herself only also for her families after her of having a better life. Mostly these are ” Extremely” difficult and challenging tasks but with the ” Presence of God all things are so Possible in Him ”

Really excited she made the choice to change her next generations narrative in addition to her professional life and other areas of her life.

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Very true.