The voice that defined Saturday nights for a generation is back with a new home. Veteran broadcaster John Karani, popularly known as JK, has joined Radio Generation, where he will host a new Saturday evening show blending music, entertainment, sundowner and country sounds.
The show, John Karani Live, marks a new chapter in Karani’s nearly 35-year broadcasting career. He said Radio Generation’s bold approach to news and talk shows, together with its mature programming, attracted him to the station.
“I decided to join Radio Generation because it is a station that is Bold in terms of news and talk shows and also has mature programming,” Karani said.
Karani made his name at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation’s English Service, where he hosted some of the station’s best-known entertainment programmes, including Saturday Night Show, Beat Time and Youth Variety Show.
His programmes developed a loyal following, especially during the 1990s and early 2000s, as his distinctive presentation style made him one of the familiar voices on Kenyan radio.
He later expanded his career beyond Kenya, working with Kiss FM and Tone FM in Tanzania before returning to the Kenyan airwaves. He also built a reputation as a DJ and master of ceremonies.
In 2021, Karani returned to KBC after a 16-year break and revived Beat Time and Saturday Night Show, programmes that had become closely linked to his name.
Now, he is bringing that experience to Radio Generation, promising listeners a combination of nostalgia and something new.
“The testament should expect alot of firworks in terms of presentation and music delivery. It will also be different in that we shall introduce a segment of sundowner and country music that was not there before,” he said.
Karani attributes his long career to discipline, focus and passion for broadcasting.
“The secret to staying relevant and staying popular through the years is being disiplined. Focused and also passionate in what you do,” he said.
As radio audiences increasingly shift to digital platforms, Karani said broadcasters must also adapt to remain relevant.
“As the audience increasingly lean on social media, radio can still be relevant by also investing more on digital platforms and also more on audio visual.”
Among his most memorable moments was Saturday Night Show, where he shared lyrics from listeners’ favourite songs. He recalls that some fans used the lyrics to impress their partners.
With his new show, Karani also hopes to reach more listeners outside Kenya.
“With the New Show, John Karani Live, I intend to help grow my audience much more especially in the diaspora through online presence. Will also help Radio Generation grow bigger as a Radio Brand,” he added.
John Karani Live premieres on Radio Generation on Saturday, August 15, 2026, running from 7pm to midnight.
Karani has assured his longtime followers that “the goodtimes are back” while promising a fresh experience for both old and new listeners.
“It’s gonna be lit as Fire meets Ice,” he said.