Kandi Eastman

An accomplished media personality, Kandi Eastman enjoyed success as a station manager and news director at Boston’s 104.9 (WRBB-FM). Before gracing the studios of the city’s top-rated college station, she held on-air positions at 1090 (WILD-AM) in Boston, 97.5 (WQOK-FM) in Raleigh, NC, and 102.9 (WOWI-FM) in Norfolk, VA. Eastman left the east coast and made her way down to Houston, where she joined the Majic 102.1 (KMJQ-FM) family on Halloween Oct. 31, 1994 and has been the Queen of Houston airwaves for 30 years.

Eastman is a household name in Houston — known as “The Sweet Talker” because of her friendly encounters and joyful spirit. To date, Eastman has received recognition and earned numerous honors and awards for her contributions and longevity in the radio industry. She has also been recognized for her efforts to inspire and improve the Houston community.

In 2019, she was honored with the proclamation of “Kandi Eastman Day” on Nov. 8 by the late former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. She also received recognition from the late U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.

During 2023, Eastman celebrated some incredible milestones. She was presented with the President’s Volunteer Service Award for outstanding contributions in community service in the United States, received an Honorary Doctorate, and was inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame.

Eastman continues to conduct engaging interviews for audiences’ entertainment with celebrities like Bobby Brown, Mary J. Blige, Tamar Braxton, Snoop Dogg, Vivica Fox, Charlie Wilson, New Edition, and more.

As Eastman celebrates 30 years in mid-day on KMJQ, this Boston-grown-now-Houston’s-own Kandi girl has reinvented herself on social media and given her loyal listeners a deeper inside look at “The Only Kandi Mom Wants You To Have.” Between her fan girl New Edition posts, love of line dancing, nail art, community service, and her own “Kandi Kisses Wine Collection,” Kandi has connected with people of all ages and has taken her ratings to top 5.

Eastman is not only a breast cancer survivor, she is a thriver. When she was diagnosed with the disease in fall of 2013, she used her platform to raise awareness, particularly during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She is a champion for women’s health and is dedicated to raising awareness for issues facing women and families.

Eastman practically raised her sons on the radio. She brought them into the stations on the weekends and even hosted the memorable broadcast from home while she was taking care of her sons with chickenpox. Radio also runs in the family: Eastman’s son Amir Diamond is Lead Promotions Coordinator at Radio One Houston’s 97.9 The Box, Majic 102.1, and Praise Houston.