Nick Odhiambo: Highs and lows in my 16-year journey as a Radio presenter

Radio Presenter Nick Odhiambo today marked one year since joining Hot 96 breakfast show.

It was a double anniversary for Nick, who also marked 16 years since he landed his first job as a Radio presenter.

Nick Odhiambo took Citizen Digital through the journey that started at Radio Africa-owned Classic 105 in 2006.

“I was interviewed by Maina Kageni. When I got the job, on a Saturday morning I got to the studio, he showed me around. Then he put the microphone up and asked me to talk, I talked for like 15 seconds, he told me that was just the introduction,” he said.

After being thrown into the deep end by Maina, Nick was trained for 2 weeks and given a late night show to host.

“I was speaking so softly, they told me I have to increase my voice. Over time, I got used to it.”

Nick would then move to Standard Group's Radio Maisha, before joining Royal Media's Hot 96 in 2021.

Nick, who is known for his role on the XYZ show where he acts as a news presenter called Keff Joinange speaks on his relationship with his co-host, Jeff Koinange.

The two first met in 2010, and Jeff was impressed with how he could mimic his voice effortlessly on XYZ.

Nick recalls how he landed the Hot 96 job, and how working with Jeff has been fun since then.

“The producer invited me and a couple of guys from XYZ, we cracked him up. After some time we were called for a meeting and he was told that I am going to be his new co-host, that was a surprise for him,” he said.

As he marks 16 years in the industry, Nick says one of his milestones is being able to overcome online hate. 

“Others are getting my dream job, getting into the voice over industry, building a brand and lasting this long,” he said.

How does Nick derive happiness or deal with challenges in his career?

“By the time you get strong emotionally, not to be able to hold on to negative energy, you would be happy. It is a high pressure job, you have to be entertaining every day. If you are having trouble at home, leave it at the door….entertain… then when you are done pick your trouble and deal with them.”

Nick says that sometimes he encounters bloopers while on air, but has to tackle it in a smart manner until no one notices it.

On the lessons learnt in his career, ‘Keff Joinange’ says that one should keep a spirited fight, guided by their ultimate goal.

“There are many people trying the same thing, some will give up, others will be comfortable. The competition keeps narrowing, so if you just keep doing it eventually you will be among the best,” he advised.