Kammies, the host of Jacaranda 94.2's Breakfast with Kieno and the Angels, presented the morning slot for the last two years. "Kieno announced that he would like to go back to his roots of radio talk after receiving an offer from a local talk radio station," said Alan Khan, CEO of Jacaranda. "As a station, we are sad to see Kieno go as he has added tremendously to Jacaranda 94.2's overall success during his time at South Africa's number one independent radio station. We wish Kieno well and are sure he will get tongues waging with talk show experience."
“Kieno is witty, quirky, irreverent and totally unique. He's familiar with our ethos and the philosophy of Talk Radio 702 and 567 CapeTalk,” commented Talk Radio 702 station manager Pheladi Gwangwa. “He also has a passion for news and the talk format, so in essence we're welcoming back our prodigal son.”
Kammies says three things made him decide to go back to 702 and 567 CapeTalk after a two-and-a- half year break. “I am a journalist, so news and current affairs are in my blood. I gave music radio a go, but talk is really what I love, and what suits my personality. I miss debating big news for the day as well as social issues that our society is faced with currently. My second reason is that the new slot will enable me to spend time with my children and the other reason is that I will be launching the Kieno Low GI range with a well-known businessman soon and will need time to work on that.”
According to Kammie's blog Straight Talk with Kieno, which launched yesterday, Wednesday, 12 December 2007, he also has a TV cooking show due to take off early in 2008, as well as other TV possibilities.
Talk at Nine looks at the lighter side of life, without losing focus on the bigger news issues of the day. It is broadcast simulcast on 702 in Johannesburg and CapeTalk in Cape Town each weekday night between 9am and midnight. Kammies officially takes over the reins on Monday 7 January.
Once Kammies had announced his departure, Scott – currently the afternoon drive presenter on East Coast Radio, a sister station of Jacaranda – jumped at the opportunity to apply for the position. Scott has been absent from Gauteng radio for a few years now. He will still host his existing afternoon drive show on East Coast Radio
”Darren is the quintessential professional radio host and if anyone can pull it off, he can,” said Paulette Holmes, marketing director of East Coast. “This move brings a whole new dimension to radio and host versatility and I believe there is much synergy to be achieved by having such a strong link between the two stations.
"East Coast Radio and Jacaranda, although sister stations, have somewhat diverse listenerships and broadcast styles, so Darren will be working hard to manage his two audience profiles. I believe it can only add tremendous value to East Coast Radio and Jacaranda and now two regional audiences have access to one of the most seasoned veterans of quality radio presenting,” added Holmes.
Said an excited Scott, "Opportunities like hosting a breakfast show for such a huge and well respected radio station doesn't come by often! I'm not one to turn down a challenge, so the whole 'flying jock' concept of presenting for both radio stations was one I just couldn't ignore!"
The show will be called Jacaranda 94.2's Just Plain Breakfast powered by Bokomo. Scott takes over as breakfast host and brings along with him sports enthusiast and presenter John Walland.
Khan commented, "Already having a huge rapport with a large part of Jacaranda 94.2's audience through Darren's Boots and All experience on Supersport, we know the show with Darren as host is going to be hugely successful.”
Dianne Broodryk will continue heading up the news and hosting Jacaranda's Good Morning Angels every Wednesday, 52 weeks of the year. Francois du Toit will continue as the official traffic reporter with his quirky chirps and comments.
