Entertainment and Broadcast icon, Dr. Kehinde Ogungbe, a.k.a, Kenny Keke declared that he will never be tired of telling the RayPower story.
The former Managing Director of the first Independent Radio Station in Nigeria-RayPower 100.5 FM made the assertion on the popular Friday programme WEEKEND KICKOFF, a flagship program of SMAILZ RADIO 98.7 FM anchored by Ambrose Somide
Taking us down memory lane, the founder/CEO of Kennis Music said he was in the U.S.A. working after completing his study in Accounting/ Mass Communication when his late brother-in-law, Chief Dr. Ramond Dokpesi invited him to Nigeria and was with him on the campaign trail while contesting to represent his people at the Senate in the early 90s.
“My brother-in-law was not successful in the bid, so we were thinking of what next, then I suggested the idea of broadcast business, since Nigerian government had deregulated the sector, which he agreed to”.
So, both travelled to Los Angels in United States, where Kenny took the High Chief Ezomo of Agenebode, Edo State to The Guitar Centre, to purchase radio broadcast equipment and thus began the journey of Nigeria’s first private radio on an expanse of land at a virgin area of Alagbado Lagos, Nigeria.
Experienced broadcasters, mostly from Ogun State were brought together to a journey into an unforgettable history.
He recounted some of those who joined to open a new chapter in the book of broadcasting in Nigeria, Olusesan Ekisola, Ambrose Olutayo Somide, Toun Okewale, Yemi Solaru, Dennis Ogi, Segun Shy-Shy Shyllon, Steve Kadri and co.
Kehinde Ogungbe, son of a School Headmaster, spent his early childhood years between Ago-Iwoye and Ijebu Igbo where he attended All Saints Primary School and Abusi Odumare Secondary School, before gaining admission to Federal School of Science.
After his educational stint in Nigeria, Omokehinde worked briefly at NTA Abeokuta as Production Assistant. Thereafter, he proceeded to the US for University education and earned a first degree in Accounting and later a master’s in Mass Communication.
There are series of amazing occurrences in the Keke Ogungbe life journey;
Ø Traveling alone from Nigeria to New Orleans, via New York was truly awesome for a young boy at that time
Ø Having to lose his job in the U.S after overstaying his invitation to Nigeria by Dr. Aleogho Dokpesi was not an experience he will forget.
Ø Resigning from RayPower in year 2000 as General Manager due to some minor administrative misunderstanding was inconceivable.
Ø Founding and running Kennis Music with all the challenges and brilliant moments was something that has left bitter-sweet tastes in his mouth.
Ø Artistes’ management in Nigeria is a very difficult thing to do as most times the return on investment may never justify the effort, resources, emotions and energy expended. The attitude of ingratitude by some artistes is also a big discouragement.
Ø On his second tour of duty in Raypower as Managing Director a job he returned to in 2012, he said it was a deserving pay back for corporate commitment and unreserved loyalty to the brand and founder.
Ø He said he gave his best in helping to restore the floundering profile of the station before he retired in 2017 to focus on his own radio, Kennis FM.
On the present status of Kennis Music, Keke says- “I have relaxed a bit in spending on music business because the artistes are disloyal. When they need signing, they are humble and unassuming. But as soon as you lunch them into limelight with your Resources, they renege in completing the terms of the contract, but we are working on some projects the public will soon get to hear and feel it”. The old titles on the Kennis label are also doing well on all digital platforms.
Weekend Kickoff a flagship of Smailz Radio 98.7FM has featured Celebrities, Policy makers, Newsmakers and Public figures.
It has hosted notable guests like; Seye Kehinde of City People Media, Celebrity Journalist Mayor Akinpelu, former Osun Information Commissioner, Funke Egbemode,
Public Affairs Analyst and Blogger Chris Nwandu CKN, Former Ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, Amb. Ayoola Olukanni,
Zainab Suleiman Okino, Chairman Editorial Board of Blueprint Newspapers,
Alhaji Youssuf Olaniyoni, former Ogun Information Commissioner, Award winning Reporter Kingsley Uranta of Channels TV,
2006 CNN Journalist of the Year, Sola Osunkeye, Ace Commedian Ali Baba Atoyota Akpobome, Femi Adesina, Former NGE President and Presidential Spokesperson during the Buhari Administration and Dr Reuben Abati, Journalist, TV Anchor and Former Presidential Spokesperson to President Goodluck Jonathan. Chief Olabode George and foremost film maker Tunde Kelani
