This archive report was first published on 21 August 2019.
On August 21, 2019, Standard Group launched its new radio station, Vybez Radio, which will play reggae music. The station will be available on various frequencies in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nyeri, and Meru.
Kenyan musician Nazizi Hirji and dancer Chiki Kuruka have been confirmed as presenters at the new radio station. Chiki Kuruka will be hosting the drive time show with ZJ Heno as her cohost, while Nazizi will be hosting the evening show.
Chiki Kuruka took to social media to announce her new gig, saying she will be hosting the drive time show on Vybez Radio. She described the job as an honour and narrated her special bond with reggae, dancehall, and soca music.
"It's been a long journey…. but it's finally official. I am so proud to announce that I will be the host of the drive time show Vybez Radio. What an honour. I remember being told off by my parents for playing dancehall, having cd's taken away, being told I can't go out lol, not sleeping and raving all night before school in dingy underground dancehall, reggae and soca clubs," Chiki Kuruka said.
"Starting my journey dancing dancehall. Dancing on carnival floats to Soca. Going to reggae concerts in parts of London that I wasn’t allowed to go in. My love for the music, for the culture, for the vybe has been life long, and today it feels worth it. I want to say thank you to Reggae, to dancehall and to Soca for being the soundtrack to my life. I hope to do you justice," she added.
Nazizi Hirji also announced her new gig on social media, saying she will be hosting the evening show on Vybez Radio. She expressed her excitement and gratitude to her fans for their support.
