"Radio is the theater of the mind; television is the theater of the Mindless” – this Steve Allen quote refers to the fact that radio listeners have to imagine what is happening in the studio, while TV viewers are simply shown.
Being the most important medium of mass communication, especially in Africa, radio presenters are household names and along with their agenda-setting, listeners are innately interested in their lives and goings-on in their workplaces.
Radio celebrities, therefore, have to create a distinctive persona in line with their idiosyncrasies to pull in more audiences and also build a noticeable brand in an industry teeming with talent.
Over the years many presenters have been let go from or quit radio stations for various reasons never to return to radio for years or refocusing their talents on indipendent mediums. Some have left quietly, while others caused a storm.
1. Andrew Kibe
Towards the end of June 2020, former Kiss FM presenter Andrew Kibe shocked his fans after announcing that he was calling it quits from the Radio Africa-owned station.
He confided to Kenyans.co.ke that he had fallen out with the management regarding the direction of his content.
"I gave my notice three months ago because I was being censored on the content I could put out on national radio," he stated.
Ever since, Kibe found a home online where his hard-hitting advice continues to cause a stir.
"On social media, I can put out whatever I want without limitations, things I couldn't say on the radio," he says.
2. Shaffie Weru
For years, the self-proclaimed Turn Up king was the ultimate bachelor on the radio entertaining millions alongside presenter Adelle Onyango.
In June 2019, his reign on the airwaves, however, became controversial as claims emerged that he had been shown the door at Kiss FM to usher in Andrew Kibe and his co-host Kamene Goro.
Appearing on Upclose With Betty on K24 TV, Weru disputed the claims noting that he had been away on leave and would return to the station.
Since then, Weru has not been on any radio station as a host with his career veering towards emceeing and TV commentary.
3. Ciru Muriuki
Prior to joining the BBC Africa Ciru Muriuki radio career had come to an abrupt halt
In 2015, just before the Nation Media Group hit a pause on its radio business, Muriuki, alongside Sanaipei Tande and Anto Neo Soul were abruptly shown the door.
The trio disclosed that they were not privy to the developments before the day they were informed was their final day on air.
"Guys, today was my last day at Nation FM. Thank you all so much for your support in my time there. See you on the flip," tweeted Muriuki at the time.
She went on to bag gigs at Hot 96 FM, owned by Royal Media Services, as well as K24 TV before landing at the BBC.
4. Kalekye Mumo
Different people quit their jobs for various reasons and for former Kiss FM morning show host Kalekye Mumo, having a house on the hill and children was more important.
In an interview with The Standard, Mumo disclosed that she had her sights directed towards TV and was looking to start her music career.
"I’m looking at life in a whole different perspective. Besides radio, I want to go into TV, I want a house on the hill, a husband, a child and a studio to make music,” she stated.
Since she quit the radio station in 2016, Mumo went on to host Talk Central on K24 TV in 2017 and released a single.
5. Tanasha Donna
Known her very public relationship with Tanzanian music sensation Diamond Platnumz, Tanasha Donna parted ways with NRG Radio in May 2020 months after going on leave.
In a statement, the singer disclosed that she wanted to concentrate on raising her child as well as her music career.
"I am no longer working at NRG but NRG is forever family and I still get a lot of support from them. Shout out to NRG," she announced at the time.
She has since not been back on radio.
