Having announced the shut down of its lifestyle station XFM, Radio Africa Group now seeks to launch a new RnB station.
The new 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 time at XFM.
“So, I’m doing my final show on XFMtomorrow. 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.
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.