Radio Africa shuts down XFM

Radio Africa Group has shut down its lifestyle radio station, 10505 XFM, to launch a new outfit targeting Rhythm and Blues (RnB) lovers. The move is likely to render several staffers jobless as the Lion’s Place-headquartered media house shops for new talent.

XFM used to play rock and alternative music with its target niche being the affluent and aspirational urban audience aged between 18 and 45 years, who are discerning and well versed with leading trends in technology, current affairs, fashion and travel.

However, despite positive reviews, Radio Africa is now launching Smooth FM  to replace the station.  Among those who have announced they are leaving is Nick Ndeda, who used to host XFM’s Weekly Top 30 and X Breakfast.

He took to his social media platforms to inform his fans he was ending his seven-year stint at XFM.

“So, I’m doing my final show on XFM tomorrow. It’s been an awesome 7 years hosting that zany morning show. I had great shoes to fill following Fareed Khimani. Tomorrow, let’s do it one last time! And if you wanna send samosas to the studio then all I can say is aaamen!” he said.

The reactions came in fast and furious:

Hey @RadioAfricaKE why are you cannibalising our fave up to date urban favourite @1055XFM lakini on a lighter note “fisi ni fi tu” akila mtoto wake yu wasema alinukia kama kondoo ???@NickNdeda a goodbye kwa leo only…see yah #XBRKFST pic.twitter.com/pQwnSwfniV

— Kimondo Wa Ndeng’eri (@Ndengeri) March 15, 2019

Why is everyone talking as if you’re dying? ?. Ati “tommorow Nick will be no more”. Anyway, I’ll miss your show bro. Especially the quarter after laughter. And the morning hard one. @NickNdeda @1055XFM #LastShow

— 3ʌʎʇs ǝןɔun (@OSMadeIT) March 15, 2019

@NickNdeda Bruv nooo???????. @1055XFM has always been my ride or die station…getting me thru morning snarl ups?. We’ll miss you fam. *starts tune* “ so long fair we’ll to you my friend??……good bye for now until we meet again”??? pic.twitter.com/G8QAa1bu9w

— Joshua Mugwe (@MugweJoshua) March 15, 2019

Nothing hurts more than seeing your favourite radio presenter @NickNdeda And radio station @1055XFM disappear just like that???? #Xbrkfst was the real ish?

— George Waweru?? (@Georgewaweru_) March 15, 2019

I started listening to @1055XFM around 2008/9 when it was just playing music without presenters. My fam loves this station even my dad back in Kiserian! It breaks my heart that you guys are closing down… Gosh! I just can’t believe it what will I be listening to?? @NickNdeda

— Sianet (@Sianet85) March 15, 2019

[Read: Vetting Prof Magoha leaves MPs looking stupid!]

@NickNdeda how can this be the last day. Any time I listen to the radio @1055XFM is always my default from the days of fareed playing Rebecca Black it’s Friday every Friday morning through the years to you and the morning hard one. Very fond memories

— Lilian K. (@womanawonder) March 15, 2019

According to reports, among those set to join Smooth FM is Classic 105 Evening Drive presenter Terry Muikamba, an indication of the ambitions Radio Africa owners have in capturing the RnB segment, which has remained untapped since the closure of Nation FM (formerly Easy FM).  The station has since been revived but only broadcasts online.