World Radio Day: Celebrating Kenya’s biggest radio stars

February 13, 2022 marks the 11th commemoration of World Radio Day and Kenya is one of the countries with a wide and engaged radio audience.

This can be attributed to the talents behind the mic who have cultivated and grown audiences over years, building a loyal fan base and high-worth radio personalities.
It is not uncommon to see radio presenters poached by rival stations, carrying their loyal fans with them wherever they land.
While commemorating the day, UNESCO noted: “This unique ability to reach out to the widest audience means radio can shape a society’s experience of diversity, stand as an arena for all voices to speak out, be represented and heard. Radio stations should serve diverse communities, offering a wide variety of programs, viewpoints and content, and reflect the diversity of audiences in their organizations and operations.”
At Pulse Kenya, we celebrate some of Kenya’s winning radio combinations that have made radio a uniting factor for citizens nationwide.
Maina and King’ang’i
Radio presenter Maina Kageni and comedian Churchill Ndambuki ‘King’ang’i’ have shaped the culture for morning radio in Kenya.
Perhaps the longest-running radio duo, Maina and King’ang’i deserve recognition for their ability to shape conversations and giving a voice to the ordinary Kenyan.
Maina and King’ang’i (Courtesy)
Maina and King’ang’i (Courtesy)
“Let me tell you Maina…” has become pop-culture lingo and probably the best way to begin any narration of life experiences in Nairobi.
Gidi na Ghost Asubuhi
Radio Jambo’s “Gidi na Ghost Asubuhi” show has gained popularity and a cultic following for their popular Patanisho segment.
The hosts give listers an opportunity to make up with someone they may be at odds with on-air. They then give other audience members an opportunity to act as mediators for the warring parties and to offer advice.
Radio Jambo presenters Gidi Gidi and Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee
Radio Jambo presenters Gidi Gidi and Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee
Dholuo rapper Gidi Gidi and former Harambee Stars coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee have proved to be a winning combination, using radio for social impact while promoting use of Swahili.
Kamene Goro
Whether with comedian Felix Odiwuor ‘Jalang’o’ or with media personality Andrew Kibe, Kamene Goro has cemented her spot as Kenya’s modern radio queen.
We first met on Tinder – Kiss FM’s Kamene Goro and Andrew Kibe reveal
We first met on Tinder – Kiss FM’s Kamene Goro and Andrew Kibe reveal
Kamene and Kibe became a star breakfast duo as NRG Radio started up, they would later be poached by rival station Kiss 100. Their departure from NRG and the lawsuit that followed propelled them to greater fame in 2019.
Jalang’o and Kamene Goro
Jalang’o and Kamene Goro
She and Jalang’o have gone on to make a high-value duo as well, using radio to keep Kenya’s youngest listeners engaged with the medium.
Tina Ogal and Munai
The jingle to Tina Ogal and Munai Generali’s Radio Citizen’s evening show is a familiar one to many Kenyans. Ms Ogal took the mispronunciation of her name and made it her gateway into many matatu radios during the evening rush hour.
Hats off to Tina and Munai for using radio to promote the use of Swahili and highlighting the realities of Kenyans outside the capital.
Radio Citizen presenters Tina Ogal and Munai Generali
Radio Citizen presenters Tina Ogal and Munai Generali
The evening duo is only rivaled by Radio Jambo’s Mbusii na Lion.
Mbusii na Lion
‘Mbusii na Lion teketeke’ is a commonly known phrase associated with former street urchin Mbusii and his co-host Lion Deh.
The duo makes for an exciting representation of Kenya’s urban street culture and perhaps the greatest contributor to the growing appreciation of Kenyan slang, Sheng’.
Radio Jambo presenters Mbusii and Lion Dey in studio
Radio Jambo presenters Mbusii and Lion Dey in studio
The two have used radio to promote free expression, health awareness and advocacy, as well as responsible living among Kenyan youth.
Gatonye Wa Mbugua and Mzee Kiengei
Kameme FM presenters Gatonye wa Mbugua and Mzee Kiengei have made a name with their morning show on the vernacular radio station.
Kameme FM presenters Gatonye wa Mbugua and Muthee Kiengei wa Watoria
Kameme FM presenters Gatonye wa Mbugua and Muthee Kiengei wa Watoria
Discussions around the community’s interests and high-profile interviews have made their show one of significance.
Man Saimo na Katta
Another winning combination from Kameme FM is Man Saimo and his co-host Katta.
Mzazi W. M. Tuva and Selly Mutabi ‘Kadot’
The Mambo Mseto duo continues to entertain fans every weekday afternoon with a carefully selected mix of East African hits and engaging celebrity interviews.
Radio Citizen ‘Mambo Mseto’ presenters Mzazi W M Tuva and Selli Kadot
Radio Citizen ‘Mambo Mseto’ presenters Mzazi W M Tuva and Selli Kadot
Presenters Mzee Tuva and ‘Kadot’ make a great duo representing both the makers and fans of local and regional music on radio.
Mwalimu and Xclusive
Mwalimu Rachel has been a fun fixture in Kenyan radio from her days at Homeboyz Radio and she’s continued to build her brand at NRG Radio with DJ Xclusive as her co-host.
NRG Radio presenter Mwalimu Rachel
NRG Radio presenter Mwalimu Rachel
Francis Luchivya
Milele FM presenter Francis Luchivya has formed the better half of winning combinations with actress Jacqueline Nyaminde ‘Wilbroda’ and with comedian Captain Otoyo.
Francis Luchivya
Francis Luchivya
Alex Mwakideu and MCA Tricky
Another memorable duo from Milele FM was Swahili radio host Alex Mwakideu and comedian MCA Tricky.
Mwakideu and comedian Jalang’o have also gone on to become a fan-favourite pair.
MCA Tricky shows up at Milele FM studios as he gears up to join Alex Mwakideu (Photo)
MCA Tricky shows up at Milele FM studios as he gears up to join Alex Mwakideu (Photo)
Fareed Khimani
With over 20 years on Kenyan radio, Fareed Khimani has entertained generations of Capital FM listeners and continues to work magic with whoever joins him on the morning show.
Fareed Khimani
Fareed Khimani
Winning pair-ups with Fareed have included his time with Amina Rabar, actor Maqbul and presently with Davina Leonard.
Shaffie Weru and Kalekye Mumo
Before his unceremonious exit from radio, Shaffie Weru had entertained loyal fans on Kiss 100 and Homeboyz radio alongside equally reputable presenters Kalekye Mumo and Adelle Onyango.
Kalekye Mumo opens up on working with Shaffie Weru again
Kalekye Mumo opens up on working with Shaffie Weru again
Shaffie’s contribution includes embodying the Hip Hop culture in Nairobi and presenting out-of-the-ordinary perspectives which often got him in trouble.
BY PULSE KENYA