Twelve-year-old Shali “Space Boy” Jonzun, Terrestrial Radio Talk Show Host and Owner of the international talk, music, and entertainment radio show, Jonzun Radio Kids, The Voice of Young America, which airs on WPUL 1590AM (Daytona Beach, FL) streams worldwide, and offers interviews on-demand 24/7 on his website www.JonzunRadioKids.com, has been in the music & entertainment industry since he was in the womb.  How is it possible for this twelve-year-old to have such a longstanding place in the biz?  Well it’s not hard to believe when you know who his family is.

He is the son of 500+ Multi-Platinum, Platinum, & Gold Records & Albums Hit Songwriter & Producer, who has sold 200+ million records and videos worldwide, Michael “Space Cowboy” Jonzun of Legendary Electro Space Boogie Hip-Hop posse Jonzun Crew (recognized as forefather of Hip-Hop; Source Mag.1999), nephew of Pop Impresario Maurice “The General” Starr, grandson of Ray V. Johnson, Sr. – a pick-up musician for Ray Charles & B.B.King, nephew of Legendary oil-on-canvas Visual Artist, Dr. Arthur C. Rayford, and nephew of  Sonni Johnson, Sr. of Jonzun Crew.

While the launching of Jonzun Radio Kids, The Voice of Young America, on Sept. 1, 2007, at age 10, was Shali’s first solo endeavor at radio, it was not his start. His beginnings at terrestrial radio commenced at age 9 as an apprentice, in the capacities of Production Assistant and Co-Host, on his Dad’s international Music Talk Show, Audition Radio – which features the music and interviews of Legendary Artists, Entertainment Industry Professionals, and New/Emerging Artists.  Shali still continues to Co-Host and assist with production on Audition Radio.

Many people wonder how such a young person could receive such a big break on commercial radio, but really it was a situation of opportunity meeting preparation.  From a very early age, Shali demonstrated strong interest and the characteristics necessary to be in the communications division of the entertainment industry.  At age 6 months he was able to sight read, at 18 mos. he was independently reading simple reader books, by age 3 he had begun to author numerous children’s books and children’s book series, and at age six, as an extension of his interest in science class, this homeschooler created and developed a mock television series, “Shali’s Zoo,” where as Show Host, he featured the research he had conducted on various animals of the world. Shali also enjoys acting, and brought down the house at age 9, at a charity function, as Narrator of the musical, “Santa Please Come to Da Hood.”

The inspiration for Jonzun Radio Kids, The Voice of Young America, came from Shali’s observation that most talk shows and news programs talk about kids, tweens, and teens, but not with them; and usually the discussions focused on negative or unlawful behavior.  So Shali decided to do something about it.

“Think about it: there are approximately 75 million kids in America under the age of 18; that's 25% of the United States population.  Now, think about how many stories in the media you see of kids achieving. What’s wrong with this picture? Jonzun Radio Kids --whose slogan is: "The Voice of Young America," gives kids, tweens, and teens a chance to be heard for achieving, and a place to talk about their concerns and ideas.  I want to encourage kids to get involved in their communities and the world, to let them know they don't have to make bad choices to become famous, and that greatness and purpose is inside everyone," he says of the show and his mission.

Shali is aware that  being born into a famous entertainment family has given him many opportunities that others don’t have, and that he must use these gifts wisely.  He doesn't want the show to be all about him, but about providing a quality program, raising awareness, and bringing great entertainment to his listeners. “It’s very rewarding giving young people a positive voice in the media.  Many of the kids that I interview on the street, have never been asked their opinion by a member of the press, especially for something positive. And they’re inspired that I’m a Talk Show Host and not a DJ, because it means their ideas and thoughts will be heard by the world,” said Shali.” I give thanks to God for giving me such an awesome responsibility.”

Between the two shows, Audition Radio and Jonzun Radio Kids, Shali has interviewed countless Youth Leaders, Celebrities, Music Legends, Artists, and Kids-On-The Street.  Some of the people he’s had the honor of interviewing include: Stan Lee (Creator of Spiderman, Iron Man, and The Incredible Hulk), 14 yr. old Multi-Platinum Opera Sensation, Holly Stell (recorded duet w/ Andrea Boccelli), 18 yr.old Nat’l Youth of The Year Demetrice Tuttle (2007-08 Boys & Girls Club of America), NFL Superstars  -- Greg Jennings (Green Bay Packers), Ian Gold (Denver Broncos), “Neon” Leon Bright (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Danny Abramowicz (49ers) --, 10 yr. old National Spokes model of Just For Me hair products, Dionnie Colon (featured in Jet, Ebony, & Essence), Pop Icon, Tiffany, 13 yr. old Visual Artist & Poetry Prodigy Akiane (featured in Time Mag and on Oprah),Walter Scott of The Whispers, Teen Quadriplegic U.S. Open Surfer, Patrick Ivison, James Brown’s Emcee & Cape Man, Danny Raye, Oil On Canvas Master Artist, Dr. Arthur Rayford, Pop Impresario, Maurice “The General” Starr,  Detroit Teen Rap Artist, J-Roc (Smokey Robinson’s nephew), Legendary Producer/Writer/Artist, Kashif, Pres. & CEO of Zonum Entertainment, C-Los “The Innovator” (Choreographed TLC & Sammie, Artist Dev. for Raven Symone), Billy Blanks, Jr., Dir. of Communications Committee for the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Donald Shiffrin, Frank Delaney & Deshawn Dabney (Teen Hurricane Katrina Survivors/Activists), Civil Rights Leader & Radio Talk Show Host, Rev. Al Sharpton, Florida State Rep. of District 27,  Rep. Joyce Cusack, Original Soul Train Dancer & Choreographer,  Tyrone Proctor,  17 yr. old Jessica Mellot (2006 Los Angeles Music Awards “Pop Female Singer/Songwriter of the Year”), and 11 yr. old anointed gospel singer/musician, De’Andre Nico (Special Guest Performer on The Apollo), to name a few.

For his works at radio, he has received many accolades, including receiving a 2008 United States Congressional Recognition Award from Congresswoman, Shelley Berkley (D-Nev.), 2009 inclusion in Strathmore's Who's Who for "Outstanding Business and Professional Achievements," being named America's "Amazing Kid of The Month" (July 2008) by the international  non-profit organization Amazing Kids!,  Amazing Kids! also named him as "Youth Ambassador" for the organization, he was the featured "Entrepreneur of The Month" (Oct. 2007) by K.E.N.N.Y. Kids Magazine, received a letter of encouragement from former President, George W. Bush, was an invited 2008 Youth Education Celebration Panelist and Youth Ambassador at Don Barden's star studded 6th Anniversary Fitzgerald's Hotel/Black History Month Celebration, has been interviewed by various local news shows, and has received front page news coverage from numerous print and internet outlets, including the Daytona Times and BlackNews.com, just to name a few.

Charity  is also very important to Shali.  Throughout the year he donates to various organizations and does feature stories on their works. At the holidays he conducts an annual toy drive benefiting the needy children of his community.  This past Christmas (2008) one of the beneficiaries were homeless children; which has inspired him to take on his next project of building and restoring homes to give to homeless families with children. Also, during the last Presidential Campaign, he conducted a voter turn-out drive he titled,  “Devote to Vote,” encouraging those under age 18, not to beg for gadgets and toys, but instead, to beg those ages 18 and over to get to the polls and vote.

Shali tells other kids that a job in radio means, “To always expect the unexpected, early hours, and plenty of research.  When I first went on air with Audition Radio, I would wake up at 4am, be on the road by 4:30am, and be live on-air by 6am sharp.  In three years, I have never missed a show.”

In his spare time, Shali enjoys riding go-karts, reading (he’s read over 1,000 books and received reading awards), writing short stories, playing video games, listening and watching news talk shows, roller skating, going to museums and theme parks, and watching classic cartoon and sitcoms (in B&W and in color), and taking road trips.

Shali invites kids, tweens, and teens around the globe to become involved in his show and website.  If you have something that's on your mind, a special talent, video footage from a recent trip you took or place you visited, news story. a band that the world needs to hear, an opinion on a recent movie or book, or anything else that you'd like to share with our listeners, we'd love to hear from you.

Email: JRadioKids@Yahoo.com