Joakim Gomez: An Introvert in the Media Industry
Socialising is challenging for introverts, it can easily leave them exhausted. Being an introvert and working in the media industry takes work. Especially when you are a DJ, a host, or an emcee. However, this man has made it seem easy.
Joakim Gomez, a 36-year-old media personality with an impressive 18-year career, has defied his introverted nature through a fiery passion for the media industry. And it traces back to his youth.
Source: @Joakimgomez via Instagram
Joakim was heavily influenced by a few individuals music-wise, such as local personality Gurmit Singh, the iconic Michael Jackson and his father, Stephen Gomez. His father, whom he has always looked up to since young, has been a local musician for 50 years. Joakim fondly remembers watching his father’s performances on different stages when he was a kid, which sparked his love for music.
“One reason why I support the local music industry very passionately, it’s really because of my dad!”
Source: @Joakimgomez via Instagram
He attributes his eagerness and hunger to trying new things to his youthful days. He sees it as a drive for exploration rather than thoughtless foolishness. Over the years, as he pursued his dreams and matured, he discovered a balance within himself. While he may be an introvert and typically enjoys solitude, he can also be expressive when the situation demands it.
Joakim explained, “Now that I have had a chance to pursue my dream, I’m actually living it. I realised as I get older, I’m loud and extroverted when I need to be, but when I’m off-stage or in my own person, I’m quiet and keep to myself.”
This balance gained through experience allows him to remain “Zen” and recharge when needed.
Furthermore, the industry has shaped him such that he no longer needs to draw attention to himself because his work does it for him.
Source: @Joakimgomez via Instagram
“I believe that attention is a superpower. Once my job is done, I relinquish that power as I find it too valuable to keep.”
How he got into the media industry
Before he entered National Service (NS), he joined Singapore Idol—which was Channel 5's only competition then. He shared his thoughts then, "Let's see how far I can go." He had entered for the experience and did not expect a win. He had no idea back then that he would go this far.
Source: @Ichamilton44 via TikTok
After Singapore Idol, he signed a three-year contract with Mediacorp, where he was expected to do everything from hosting to dancing, singing, and acting. “Being in Mediacorp and trying all those things made me realise I may have a knack for hosting,” he recounted.
While in NS, he tore his ACL further so the army sent him to the next best place, the Singapore Drama and Arts Academy—where he became a resident host for three years.
During one of his final shows, his lieutenant colonel suggested he become a DJ, so he emailed every radio station, and 987 responded, offering him a voice audition. He later secured a part-time job at 23.
Source: @Joakimgomez via Facebook
“It required a lot of practice as if I was being pushed into the deep end and learning to swim.”
After a few months of experience and guidance, he eventually improved and signed on full-time. It has led him to where he is right now.
“It had happened by accident, but my dream of becoming an entertainer came true,” Joakim shared happily.
His introverted self had not stopped him from his passions and achieving his lifelong dream.
The journey of being a multifaceted entertainer
Nowadays, as an entertainer, he feels that being a radio DJ, host, or actor is not enough. “You have to be an all-rounder,” he shared. He believes building a following and connecting with the youth is essential. He takes youths reaching out to him as a compliment, believing his work still impacts young people.
“If it didn’t, I would have quit my career already,” he said with some severity in his tone.
Sometimes he would go on TikTok live and play Mobile Legends and/or Mortal Kombat—a way for him to switch off and build an audience without revealing too much of himself. He prefers this balance, as it allows people to know him for his interests rather than his personal life. Now, he is known as the “Man U fan”, the “NDP emcee”, and even “Mobile Legends player”.
Photo by: Nurin Qhaireena
Throughout 18 years of his career and being one of “Singapore’s beloved emcees or hosts”, he still receives negative comments and backlash. However, the strength that gets him going is this mantra: “Do not give up”. He says it to himself no matter how bad the comments are, how the odds may be against him, or if someone else gets picked over him.
Despite the ego bashing and the sense of pride, he’d questioned himself: “I want to do it too, but why does he/she get picked and not me?” He’s learnt to turn these thoughts or backlash into motivation.
He says to himself, “Let’s be better, let’s find out where I can improve,” and it keeps him going.
His ultimate goal in his career is to provide the audience with an enjoyable experience that makes their time worthwhile, which he believes everyone does when he is on stage.
Source: @Joakimgomez via Instagram
“I did not enter this industry to become a celebrity, but rather to be the best entertainer or host in Singapore and I believe I am almost there, with just a little more to go.”
To aspiring media personalities in the future, he shared, “Your friends and parents are going to frown upon your choice but stand by it.”
He concluded with this, “I hope the new generation can bring the change that all of us need in Singapore.”
