Ciku Muiruri Describes How She Got Into Radio

On her Zuqka column last Friday, Ciku Muiruri described events that led her into radio. According to her, it was all coincidental, and it started with a voice-over artist not showing up.
In the article, Ciku also lists the three things you should possess to be a radio presenter.
Here’s Ciku in her own words.
“All you need, to be a radio presenter, is confidence, eloquence and a great voice.You have all three, so go for it!” That was 15 years ago and the person trying to convince me to try out for radio was my cousin, Ciru Gikonyo. She ran a production house at the time and some girl they expected to come in and do a voice-over for an advert did not show. I was loitering about that day. I didn’t have much to do so I agreed to help them out. My recorded voice had them falling over themselves and Ciru (who also worked for Capital FM at the time), practically dragged me to her boss’s office. My interview lasted five minutes. “Do you listen to Capital FM?” he asked me. His name was John Wilkins – A mzungu chap who looked a bit like a hippie. Long dark bangs covered his bespectacled eyes and a Jesus type beard finished off the look. I had never bothered with radio back then and had NO idea what Capital FM was about. “Blast Ciru! Why did I let her talk me into this?” I wondered as I looked around his office swarming with CDs. I didn’t want to lie so I said the first thing that popped into my head: “Is that a trick question?”
I guess I displayed some sort of comedic demeanor because he laughed. And hired me. That simple. “Wait! I don’t listen to you and I’m hired?” I asked as he ushered me out of his office. He responded with a smile. “Your job is to make people laugh. You sat down and got a laugh out of me in a flash. Why argue? You’re hired!” That’s how I got into this business. I never sought it out. I guess it was just meant to be. This week, on Tuesday, I had my final show. After Capital FM, KISS 100, Easy FM and finally Classic 105, I have hang up my headphones and switched off my mic. My anecdotes from my 15-year-old journey are many. Far too many, I fear, for this space. 
For now I will summarize my radio journey in the form of a few names (in alphabetical order). Angela Muriuki, Angela Angwenyi, Ben Omol, Bernice Wairima, Bob Kioko, Caroline Mutoko, Chris Kirubi, Cyrus Afune (Lion), Daniel Mwangi (Mbusii) Daniel Ndambuki (Kin’gan’gi), David Makuyu, Denis Ndavi, Dusty Rhodes, Dr Githinji Gitahi, Edward Kwatch, Eric Ndavi, Eve D’Souza, Fareed Khimani, Fidel Maithya, George Lutta, Hawa Nyindo, Ian Fernandes, Italia Masiero, James Njoroge, Julie Gichuru, Jimmy Gathu, John Wilkins, Jo Thoenes, Kamal Kaur, Kalekye Mumo, Kevin Mwachiro, Kiprono Kittony, Lance Mwambanga, Larry Asego, Linus Gitahi, Lynda Holt, Lynda Nyagweso, Maina Kageni, Mao Mukuria, Martin Khafafa, Muthoni Bwika, Munene Nyaga, Nana Muriithi, Naftali Thaithi, Ngatia Murenga (Best-est co-host ever!), Nick Odhiambo, Nyambura Githongo, Patricia Amira, Patrick Ndeda, Patrick Ojil, Patrick Quarcoo, Phil Matthews, Rachel Mwendia, Riya Sharma, Robert Kibutiri, Ramah Nyang, Roy Karuhize, Sadia Ahmed, Shaffie Weru, Somoina Kimojino, Sheila Mwanyigha, Tina Kagia, Talia Oyando, Teddy Muthusi, Tony Gachukia, Waweru Njoroge and Zain Verjee.
I’ve worked with all of these people. (Sorry if I’ve left you out, please add names I may have left out, you’ve been so many!). Some have helped me grow. Some gave me a break when I needed one. Some gave me invaluable advice. Some listened when I need to vent or needed a laugh. Some just gave me a smile when I needed one. Some helped my creative dreams become a reality. I’m grateful. They, without exception, will tell you one thing about me. I never conform. I do it my way. And so as the curtain falls on my radio career and on 2013, I want to wish you all a Happy New Year and leave you with the words of Frank Sinatra *Ciku loudly singing* 
 
And now, the end is here
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I’ll say it clear
I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain
I’ve lived a life that’s full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this, I did it my way
 
Regrets, I’ve had a few
But then again, too few to mention
I did what I had to do and saw it through without exemption
I planned each charted course, each careful step along the byway
And more, much more than this, I did it my way
 
Yes, there were times, I’m sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all,when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out
I faced it all and I stood tall and did it my way
 
I’ve loved, I’ve laughed and cried
I’ve had my fill, my share of losing
And now, as tears subside, I find it all so amusing
To think I did all that
And may I say, not ina shy way,
“Oh, no, oh, no,not me, I did it my way”
 
For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself, then he has naught
To say the things he truly feels and not the words of one who kneels
The record shows I took the blows and did it my way!
 
Yes, it was my way.