Radio has for ages been considered the most widely accessed form of media owing to its reach and penetration. It also speaks intimately and privately to millions of audiences across the globe.
It is for this reason that some of the highest ranking radio show hosts like Maina Kageni command a cult-like following and have a bank account size to match.
Here are radio duos that dominated the airwaves in 2021.
- Jeff Koinange and Nick Odhiambo
After Prof Hamo’s disgraced departure from Hot 96’s morning show in May, the highly rated programme redeemed itself with a power pairing of the long-time host Jeff Koinange and Nick Odhiambo.
Nick joined Koinange after quitting his Rhumba Show on Radio Maisha, a station owned by the Standard Media Group.
The Hot 96 show is known for the high-voltage nature of its stars and the lively nature of the breakfast broadcast.
The team is also always abreast with contemporary issues and entertain their listeners with latest hits
- Kamene Goro and Jalang’o
This is somewhat a match made in heaven. After the scandalous exit of Andrew Kibe after complaining that he was being muzzled by radio rules, there was unease that former Milele FM presenter Jalang’o, formerly Felix Odiwuor, would not meet the high English standards of the urban radio station.
He, however, joined former TV girl Kamene Goro, and their show hit new rating heights due to their power duo. They always entertain their listeners with urban music and signature humour from both stars.
- Maina and King’ang’i
For years, the duo of Maina Kageni and Daniel Ndambuki, popularly known as Mwalimu King’ang’i on the Classic FM morning show, has led the pack in the morning radio show ratings.
With Maina’s urbane demeanor and King’ang’i’s boy-next-door personality, the team has continued to deliver unmatched humour to millions of listeners the country over.
So good is the show that it is the de facto radio station for commuters in both private and public vehicles in the morning.
- Alex Mwakideu and Wilbroda
After losing two power stars Jalang’o, formally Felix Odiwuor and Francis Munyao, known professionally as MCA Tricky, Milele FM show host Alex Mwakideu was faced with an uphill task of elevating the programme to national standards.
Luckily, he paired up with a heavyweight in the comedy game, Jacqueline Nyaminde, popularly known as Wilbroda, and the show scaled up to higher heights.
With her taste of ghetto supremo and his coastal roots, the team has been providing unrivalled entertainment to their listeners since July 9.
- Gidi and Ghost
For years, many people have been tuning in to Radio Jambo morning show hosted by Gidi Gidi and former Harambee Stars coach, Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee. The morning show has attracted millions of listeners primarily for a popular segment, Patanisho.
In 2021, the programme received even higher ratings, symbolising Kenya’s appetite for the protection of the family, commonly viewed as the moral fabric of the society.
Listeners whose romantic relationships are on the rocks call in seeking to be reconciled with their lovers, after which Gidi and Ghost serve as mediators.
With its numerous loyal listeners across the country, Patanisho often sparks heated debates among Kenyans, both on social media and offline.
