Extended Bio

Extended Bio {by Melissa Kimble of #blkcreatives}

There’s an intentionality in Dometi Pongo’s life work and mission that will be recorded among this generation’s league of history makers and observers. He is an MTV News host and award-winning journalist who purposely builds at the intersection of news, hip-hop, art & culture. Dometi {pronounced doe-muh-TEE} is a Chicago native, proud son of Ghanaian immigrants, and a champion of the underserved, an amplifier of the stories of marginalized communities. Similar to the underestimated connections he creates in his work, Dometi originally started on a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration specializing in Economics from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville before he entered into media. Always taking heed to wisdom, he followed the advice of his Pastor Charles Antwi at Faith Victory International who pointed him in  the direction of pursuing a career in the media.

Taking this leap would lead him to the legendary Chicago urban talk radio station WVON 1690AM. As the News Director of the station, he wrote and produced radio features on social, political and economic issues relevant to under-served communities. It would be the first of many, that would prove this strategic storyteller’s commitment to his culture, the dedication to do the necessary political on the ground reporting, and his fearless drive to always improve his skills and craft. 

Dometi’s unstoppable work ethic, relatable approach, and passion for highlighting stories that show the Black community in a complex and dynamic manner has helped him to carve out his path, shaping him into one of the most impactful voices in the heart of the city’s voice. Post WVON, Dometi joined Chicago’s WGN Radio 720AM as a news anchor and reporter, anchoring newscasts, filling in as a host for multiple time slots, and writing and producing multiple award nominated and award-winning news series. Always grounded in the pursuit of perfecting his craft, Dometi wrote for the renowned Chicago SunTimes while writing, editing and producing a three part series for WGN Radio on the 50th commemoration of Dr. King’s assassination with Ryan Burrow. The piece, From the Mountaintop: The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. which won second place for ‘Best Radio Feature Or Documentary from the Illinois Associated Press.

This Renaissance Man’s magic doesn’t only rest in his natural ability to lead conversations towards solutions, his thoughtful and committed voice has also allowed Dometi to create his own ecosystem of work, revolving around truth, justice, and authenticity. 

“Bring everything you are to everything you do,” he affirms, a daily mantra that has surely contributed to his his ability to articulate and inform on a personable level. That same energy has fueled some of the most important discussions in the Midwest. 

Dometi’s 2015 radio feature, which chronicled the coverage of the Laquan McDonald shooting, received finalist recognition from the National Association of Black Journalists’ ‘Salute to Excellence Award for Best Radio Feature.’ He served as a key contributor to Roland Martin’s daily digital show, “Unfiltered,” covering the Jason Van Dyke trial.

Whether he’s interviewing prominent cultural influencers such as Nick Kroll, Sasheer Zamata, DJ Khaled, Megan Thee Stallion, Rick Ross, DJ Khaled, and Wyclef Jean, Dometi is most at home at the intersection of Hip-hop & social justice. His affirming and direct investigative interview style is where he’s able to flex his hosting capabilities as the face of MTV News’, “Need to Know,” a twitter live show that broadcasts newscasts, interviews, and topical roundtables twice daily on weekdays.

Arguably one of the biggest music platforms ever created, Dometi’s cultural awareness and insightful criticism has positioned him as a host at MTV’s marquee red carpet events like the VMA’s and the MTV Movie and TV Awards. For MTV Digital, he lends his voice to digital viral shows like How Far Is Tattoo Far? And Ghosted. Dometi takes the lead again as host of MTV’s True Life: Crime, a show that explores eight real life cases in attempts to uncover the truth behind what really happened. Always an advocate for the underserved, most of the victims highlighted – like Kenneka Jenkins – come from marginalized communities. The show will do the work of uncovering whether or not the issues are given the attention they deserve. 

Leveraging the influence and power of social media as a political vehicle, Dometi is constantly engaging with technology to help businesses increase their reach. He also spearheads Pongo Strategy Group, a consulting firm that works with forward-focused companies and brands to own their messaging and tailor their use of digital platforms, including voice over acting, podcasting, production of engaging video content, and web design. Client activations included partnerships with WNBA Chicago Sky, AARP Illinois, Chicago Urban League, MTV, Champs Sports, The Digital Diversity Network and Blk & Bold Specialty Beverages. 

Joining forces with Bishop Lance Davis, the executive Director of BOOC and Pastor of New Zion Covenant Church in Dolton, IL, each year Dometi returns to his family’s home country to co-host ‘The Sankofa Tour of Ghana’ experience. Since 2016, the duo has been curating impactful trips in West Africa, connecting Ghana’s heritage, history, heart and culture to help others’ expand their community perspectives. 

Awards and honors:

  • Best News and Media Video Series Finalist, Shorty Awards (2021).

  • Best Live Event Coverage Finalist, Shorty Awards (2021).

  • Best Digital Media - Interactive: News, Salute to Excellence Award, National Association of Black Journalists (2020).

  • Best Host in a Web Series, Cynopsis Digital (2020).

  • Best Covid-19 Awareness-Related Content, Cynopsis Digital (2020).

  • NAPA Ambassador Award, Nigerian American Professionals Association (2019).

  • Best Series or Documentary (2nd), Illinois Associated Press Broadcasters Association Award (2018).

  • Peter Lisagor Award Nominee for Best In-Depth Radio News Story, Chicago Headline Club (2018).

  • 40 Gamechangers Under 40, Ariel Investments & WVON Radio (2018).

  • Excellence in Media Black History Award, Northeastern Illinois University (2018).

  • Distinguished Alumni Award, Illinois Media School (2018).

  • Catalyst of Hope Award, Village Leadership Academy (2018).

  • Peter Lisagor Award Nominee for Best In-Depth Radio News Story, Chicago Headline Club (2017).

  • Salute to Excellence Award for Best Radio Feature Finalist, National Association of Black Journalists (2016).

  • Community Leadership Award, Mayor Harold Washington Legacy Committee (2016).