Radio shows that just won’t die

By Alex Kiprotich

Remember the days when KBC radio was the only station to tune to for entertainment? Then, certain entertainment programmes were a must listen in many households.

And when FM stations hit the airwaves, many predicted the popular shows aired by the public broadcaster would die.

However, these programmes have withstood the test of time and continue to draw listeners of all ages. Programmes like Sundowner, Midday Melodies, Lunchtime Music and Late Date remain evergreen.

Sundowner, which is aired Monday to Saturday between 6pm to 7pm, has run uninterrupted for decades.

Ardent fans still rush home in time for the show. Thanks to mobile phone technology, some can catch the programme wherever they are via their phones.

Elizabeth Murei, a keen listener of the show, says she has remained loyal to the evergreen hits of the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

Murei, 54, says since she started listening to the programme in 1976, she has never been disappointed. "Unless when it is inevitable, I make sure I am home in time to enjoy the music," she says.

She says the music cuts across generations and reminds one of the past: "The music transports you to a certain time, reminds one of something — it simply connects you with the golden past."

David Kamau, 27, says Sundowner reminds him of the good old days in the village. "Every time I listen to the programme, sweet memories of being home with the sunset rays in the horizon come into mind," says Kamau, who works in Nairobi.

He adds: "It is so relaxing and from far, I can actually hear evening breeze with the cows’ bells ringing as they return home from the fields."

For Ronald Marege, the programme takes him back to late 1980s, when his uncle introduced him to it. "My uncle used to arrive home early for the show and he made me love it," he says.

Music played in the show include those by artists like Aretha Franklin, Don Williams, Harry Belafonte, Everly Brothers, The Commodores and The Beetles, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton among other classicals.

Faith Christine, who has been a fan of the programme for more than 10 years, says the music is soothing, classic and lovely. "Even with other programmes on air, this is one show I cannot afford to miss," she says.

Bonding with presenters

Catherine Ratemo says her sister introduced her to Sundowner when she was eight. "I am so much addicted to the show that even when I have exams and need to revise, I can’t do it when the show is on air and would rather listen to it first and then study later," says Ratemo, 22.

And for Rotich Kertiony, the show is a masterpiece and the presenters have a unique way of bonding with listeners.

John Obong’o Jnr, who is synonymous with the show, and Catherine Ndonye are the current show presenters. Other presenters who have been associated with the show include Nzau Kalulu, Larry Wambua, Hellen Obande, Laura Okal, Topista Nabusoba and Dotty Akeyo.

"Sundowner has withstood the test of time because of its unique music and presentation style," says Ndonye.

Unique presentation

She says the show has remained the darling of all generations because of its unique presentation style and timing. It is artistically interwoven with nostalgia of the setting sun, she says. "The timing of the show at sunset and the classical nature of it makes it a hit with the young and old," she adds. "We do not assume all our listeners finished their day in high spirit. Some might have gone through stressing moments and we bear in mind that," says Obong’o.

He says the choice of music must at all times remain of high quality to retain loyal fans while bringing new ones. Akeyo, who presents Midday Melodies but steps in when a presenter is not in, says the use of turntable in playing the music makes it of high quality. "There is something unique about LPs that cannot be found in digitalised forms," she says.