Nairobi News

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The search for Nation FM’s next top presenter begins


From next week the biggest campus radio voices will be competing on national radio for once-in-a-life-time chance to become the top act on the airwaves.

This is after Nation Media Group’s flagship radio station, Nation FM, launched a reality talent show to tap into the growing popularity of university stations.

The station will air a weekly show through a competition dubbed “Vocal Nation” from 8pm to 10pm till March 2016.

Nation Radio’s acting General Manager Tim Oriedo told Nairobi News that 18 students drawn from nine university radio stations will participate in the competition.

“The first season will start next week and break in November to align with the study calendar. Thereafter the second season will start again in mid-January till March next year,” Oriedo said.

During the first season, fans will be required to vote their best presenters through the station’s Facebook page but in the second season a panel of judges comprising of lectures will be incorporated.

The overall winner from both seasons will be given a one-year contract at the station while the two runners up will be offered an internship.

MENTORSHIP

Nation Radio’s acting General Manager Tim Oriedo (centre) pose for photos with the  student contestants in the Vocal Nation competition. PHOTO | NATION FM
Nation Radio’s acting General Manager Tim Oriedo (centre) pose for photos with the student contestants in the Vocal Nation competition. PHOTO | NATION FM

Nation FM will also hold over 30 campus events during the competition period to mentor the rest of the students.

Speaking at the official launch of the show at Nation Centre on Thursday, Mr Oriedo said participants would benefit from mentorship by experienced radio hosts such as Chris Okinda and Jimmi Gathu.

“Nation FM’s presenters will act as mentors to participants. But their personalities are what will eventually win the audience.”

Nation FM’s Chris Okinda told Nairobi News in a separate interview that listeners should expect an adrenaline-packed contest with lots of fun.

“This is a chance for radio old war horses like myself to learn something from the new talent as we will go back to where we started and actually produce the shows,” said Mr Okinda.

Mr Okinda added that the program will offer a chance for the students to obtain the required skills in the industry.

Nation FM’s renowned producer Nesta is a product of a previous competition when the station was known as Easy FM. Nesta currently produces the station’s State of the Nation show.