Comedian and content creator Oga Obinna recently revealed a surprising chapter from his career, sharing how he almost became the co-host of the popular breakfast show at Hot 96 alongside media personality Jeff Koinange. Speaking candidly about his journey, Obinna discussed the opportunity he had to join the radio station following the departure of comedian Jalang’o, who had previously held the role.
After Jalang’o left, Hot 96 embarked on a search for a new co-host. Several high-profile personalities were considered, including Obinna, Dr. King’ori, and Professor Hamo, who were all part of a competitive selection process. Although Obinna didn’t provide full details of the audition, he mentioned that he was initially selected for the role. At the time, he was earning KSh 120,000 per month at his then-current job, and the opportunity at Hot 96 seemed promising.
When the station called him in for a second meeting to discuss salary expectations, Obinna turned to fellow comedian Otoyo for advice. Otoyo, knowing the financial dynamics in the industry, suggested that Obinna should avoid asking for the same salary that Jalang’o had been receiving, which was KSh 1 million. Instead, he advised Obinna to aim for a figure that was high but not too ambitious.
Confused but determined, Obinna initially thought about asking for KSh 500,000, but during the meeting, he decided to be bolder. In front of two women from the station, he confidently asked for KSh 700,000. According to Obinna, the women were calm and professional, assuring him that it was okay to ask for what he felt he deserved. The meeting concluded with a promise that he would receive a follow-up call, and Obinna left the meeting feeling hopeful about the future.
However, the excitement didn’t last long. The next morning, Obinna tuned in to Hot 96, expecting to hear news about his role. Instead, he was met with the voice of Professor Hamo alongside Jeff Koinange. It was then that Obinna realized that his dream of becoming the new co-host had come to an end. Though initially disappointed, he reflected on the experience with maturity, recognizing the valuable lessons it offered.
Despite the setback, Obinna expressed nothing but respect and gratitude toward Hot 96 for the opportunity. He acknowledged that although he didn’t secure the position, being considered for such a prestigious role was a significant moment in his career. The experience, he shared, taught him a lot about the professional world, negotiations, and the unpredictable nature of career opportunities.
For Obinna, the journey didn’t stop there. He moved forward, focusing on his career as a comedian and content creator, continuing to build his brand. He remains thankful for the exposure Hot 96 gave him during the process, even though it didn’t result in the job he had hoped for. The experience was a learning moment and one that added to the many lessons he has gathered throughout his career.
