“STAR GIRL” of KU 92.7FM Will Light Up Your Night
In hindsight, if I need to do a special editorial on radio broadcasting and the significant impacts of On-Air Personalities in today’s industry, Esther Mohammed, popularly known by her alter ego “Star Girl”, is one OAP that will drive my narrative.
Words by Sesan Adeniji
Although slightly under the radar but her gravitas at the job is super amazing. She drives her ‘KU NightLife Show” (9 pm-12 am) with a feel of the best social and music commentary belts that come to mind anywhere in the world. She energizes and carries her audience along like a planned holiday trip( fun all the way). Unarguably, she’s one of the best nature in the game. Presently Head Of Programs at KU92.9FM in Benin, Star Girl is one of a kind. I once engaged her in a conversation about herself and the journey in broadcasting.
“Growing up as a child I had always wanted to become a lawyer. I had lots of arguments with my dad, he wanted something else for me. But I always won on every argument we had and so he agreed I go on with my dreams and aspirations. Unfortunately for me, I lost both parents quite early. Dad passed on while I was 17 and mum died a year after I lost my father.
Left in a world of my own to cater for myself with little or no support, I had to re-arrange all my childhood dreams.
I decided to study mass communication at the prestigious University of Benin where I majored in print media journalism. I just wanted to write, because that was the only way I could express myself and all the struggles I had to go through. No one was ready to listen to me. I had just my siblings and a few persons who showed little support.
I read and gained my admission to the school. All I did in school was to read and pass my exams so I can at least become a graduate. Looking for money, doing buying and selling were my daily activities in school. I had to sell goods sellable just to pay my bills and meet my other needs. And then the graduate dream came through.
I was on my first as a graduate as a customer service personnel working at a microfinance bank somewhere in Lagos when I got a call to join an amazing team of broadcasters at KUFM. That was in 2016. I had no idea about how the profession works, no radio experience, never gone close to the microphone before, I was just excited for myself. At that point, I knew it was time for me to speak to the world through radio. All my hustles and struggles, the battles fought and lost and few I won, it was time to share. That was how it all started”.
TALK ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY IN BROADCASTING AND ALL YOU INTEND TO ACHIEVE IN THE COMING YEARS
With no radio experience, I started as a pidgin broadcaster at KUFM.92.7 Benin City. From understudying I became the pidgin newscaster and producer. It went on for a while. After producing and reading, I would sit and watch my other colleagues do what they know how to do best. They were amazing, smart, intelligent, and creative and always ready to assist where I needed help.
A colleague of mine was traveling out of town and needed someone to cover up for him. I was asked to handle his show that night. I said to myself, this is it. Now is the time.
Just do all you have to do to make the show a success. Do it for mum and dad, do it for yourself. That was the only inspiration I needed. That beautiful night, I hosted the “Ku Night Life show“.
I am currently the host of the “KuFm NightLife Show” where I am been referred to as THE NIGHT DARLING. With the nightlife show, I have been able to express and share all I had to go through before I became the radio girl. Radio for me is beauty and power. The power of the live microphone is priceless. Nothing supersedes the feelings that come with knowing people are out there listening to you every night. It is magical. I like to go all inspirational, I know I am good with inspirational talks. I love to talk about societal issues, the daily struggles people go through. And with my inspirational talks on the night show, everything ugly becomes beautiful. People are always ready to listen, and with the microphone, as a tool, I am always ready to talk. I love to talk about love. Because I am love.
From love to life, family, people, relationships, and daily issues, I make beautiful research and source for information that are helpful and useful to my night audience.
Radio is just that one place where everything feels right. It is home to me. I can boldly say I have the best playlist on the radio in Benin City. We cannot argue with the fact that you have amazing playlists once said by my colleague who is now with Beat FM Abuja. From R&B to Blues and the music genre available, I bring light to the night in Benin City.
I am not where I want to be yet, but with hard work and dedication, I hope to become one of the greatest on-air personalities. Every day I strive to become better than I was yesterday. Knowing there are people out there willing and ready to listen to me, I won’t relent but continue to aspire to be more. In 2016, I won the ‘BREAKOUT OAP OF THE YEAR’ at Scream Awards 2016. I still want to get more recognition and awards because every hardworking person deserves to be recognized and awarded.
The job of the broadcaster is not an easy one. You just have to know something about everything and everything about something.
People expect so much from you. With this kind of demand from the audience, one has to give everything just to get the best. I am currently the Head of Programs at the station. I want to be more. This can only come through hard work, which is one of my daily principle (WORK HARD TO GET THE BEST).
CUTTING EDGE AS A BROADCASTER
The new information communication technologies have made the broadcasting job easy. The use of technology in information gathering, use of real-life actualities in the reportage of my stories, from social media to real-life events to podcast listening. My ability to combine the various media channels to engage more audience is great.
Personally, I love to share real-life events and situations with my audience. I gossip a lot, that part you can’t take away from me and my show.
Once the audience can connect to the fact that the presenter is one of them, then you can keep them awake all night listening to you. I don’t do the British or American tongue-twisting thingy when on air. I do me. My Naija self. Looooooool. I don’t just copy and share stories, I make and create innovative content for my audience.
VIEW OF THE INDUSTRY
Broadcasting is beautiful and competitive as well. Considering the fact that there are lots of radio stations in Nigeria, one has to put in so much effort to keep the industry moving. The broadcasting regulators (NBC and NCC) are doing so much to regulate the industry because maintaining our public broadcasting system is so important. Its highly competitive nature keeps everyone on their toes because staying in the industry is very important. Not just staying but staying relevant and useful.
Socials
Instagram – @star_geh
Twitter – @Esther_stargal
Facebook – Esther Mohammed
Wow I love you Star Girl. My favorite OAP. So talented, beautiful and humble. You are truly a blessing. Keep up the good work. You are destined for Greatness.
Awesome, Stargirl you rock. Keep it up girl, this is just the beginning of amazing things yet to come in ur life. You deserve it…
Stargeh is definitely our night darling. She is my favorite OAP. I’m not quick to turn on my radio but I have stargeh’s schedule ingrained in my head. I don’t miss it. Love you darling.
Star girl is an amazing OAP who exudes so much passion for her job. And she has such sweet personality.
Wishing you love and light, girl.
Go girl… you rock…. More amazing things to come…
You go girl….. you inspire.me
Very Inspiring
See my baby girl making waves! Goes to show that no matter what life throws at you, all that matters is your ability to swing right back and make something meaningful out of your life.
Awww amazing baby girl, the sky is your limit.
You are amazing girl. We love you.
Fantastic article on Stargirl. Her growth graph is quite intriguing and fascinating.
She’s a product of consistency, hardworking and adaptability. Keep up the good work.
Touching! All I see now is a fighter with a strong will to survive and excel. May God be your strength at all times.
Keep slaying with the mic. We can’t get enough of you.
We love you Star 👧
Very inspiring story. More grace dear.
Amazing!!! Beautiful piece!!! Inspiring!!!! Esther Mohamed you’re the best in what you doing, the sky is your starting point, people will hail your name. Just keep being you.
Amazing story to Stardom. Keep shinning Star Girl.
Keep up the good work Star Girl. Keep going places…KuFm rocks because of you Love. My special night darling.
You may not even know it but you young lady is an inspiration to many. You’re definitely destined for where you are headed. The top. Love you girl.
You may not even know it but you young lady is an inspiration to many. You are destined for where you are headed. The top. Love you girl
You rock, Stargirl!
Oseeeee Superstar girl! Your story is really inspiring. You inspire me! Keep up the great job HOD ma.
Star Girl dey for you……….
I’ve never seen Esther fail at anything she does. Esther is dogged
This is really amazing… You rock! Greater heights ijn
Star Girl, U Are A SUNSHINE To Lots Of People Out There…. You Are The True Definition Of Hard Work Pays… Mama+Papa Would Be Proud Up There…. Trust Me U Are More Dan A Star…U Are The BRYTEST…
Go Girl…Shake Their Legs…
Star girl we love you just never stop being you.
Keep being you Stargirl. Great piece!!!
Beauty and brain i’ve always admired you………greater heights
My super Stargal, my role model, an example daddy is always given, a name I always hear when daddy is advising an lazy asshole…(Stargal had no mother and father but look at her now…) Daddy’s words …the most amazing part is that she made all this progress on her on but still never looks down on anybody…she as sweet as caramel…I love you Esther Mohammed,may God continue to bless you.
Go Stargirl. The sky na your stepping stone.
An amazing colleague and still a wonderful friend. You have worked so hard to earn this and believe me, you deserve more. Keep winning Stargirl. The Sky will be your beginning. We love you baby.
I have spent time with this beauty, she has a heart of gold… Easy going, friendly & courageous. Darling star girl keep glowing… U rock !
Just as her name “Star girl”, a diamond she’s so creative, strong, determined and spectacular.
A rare gem, one amongst many, tender and sweet to be with.
KUfm made the best choice in choosing her to present on the nigh shif. Trust me, she deserves a grammy… Walai, I love you die!
Stargeh is a rare gem. She is so inspiring.
Beautiful article… Stargeh (as I call her) is a STAR 🌟… she’s yet to even shine and light up the world… Star girl is everything amazing.
Though I haven’t known Stargirl for Long, but I definitely enjoy her on kufm shows. Shes been a blessings and source of inspiration to many kufm fans. Esther, You are a gift to humanity and you’ve not even started yet… Exuberance blessing, success, health and wealth is yours and as God is elevating you, I decree you are unstoppable because God got you covered. Smiles😘
Epic!!! I don’t do the British or American tongue twisting thingy when on air. I do me. My Naija self. Looooooool.
Stargel you where the reason I feel in love with KU FM, you too good, 100% credit for you girl, keep going higher, you deserve the best.
Always full of energy, wit and can seriously engage her audience. Star girl you rock! Keep being your amazing self
Keep doing what you know how to do best dear.
I love you star girl and I love KUFM..
Esther baby! My stargirl of life. My number one OAP. The sky is just a stepping stone for you girl. You’ve really inspired me in ways that I can’t even explain. You deserve all the fame and fortune. Keep soaring higher. God bless you…
Keep doing what you know how to do best dear..
I Love you Star girl!!! I love KUFM!!!
Awesome. I enjoyed reading this article, now I understand why you don’t make up voices while on air, and I absolutely love it.
You are indeed uniquely different
My ever supportive, ever determined Muni, your heart is large enough to contain the whole world….keep shining as your name implies #Stargirl!
Stargirl is a fighter, an achiever, a pace setter, a SUPER WOMAN. She has touched the lives of many thru radio and beyond. We are super proud of you girl, remain blessed.
Wow wow wow…..what more can I say your life is indeed a testimony, you’re such a beauty to be hold. You will do more and more opportunities are coming your way. We Love you star girl.❤😘😍
U are beautiful within & outside…. Keep glowing beautiful star.
Stargirl as the name suggests is a unique lady who has brightened the radio world with her pure and natural talent and dexterity. Very lively and ever consistent. Keep soaring, stargirl. Your destination is surely at the TOP.
A hardworking, dexterous and talented OAP. Stargirl is destined to soar to greater heights. I really admire her passion and consistency.
Very inspiring Esther. Kudos
Babe, you too much abeg. I just love for passion for success. Your hardwork is paying off. I’m rooting for more wins for you.
Stàr girl, you’re indeed a star. Keep lighting our world with your shine.
Keep slaying the media world, babe!
My brother’s oap crush *kisses* Keep doing your thing Dear. You rock.
Amazing and wonderful piece💋💋💋 I call her GIRLY😀😀she’s an amazing woman, a goal getter, Beauty with Brain, my favorite KUFM OAP….Her night life show😮😮OMG your assured of a wonderful night rest…Looking forward to you becoming a worldwide celebrity OAP👍👍👍
Shine bright like a diamond star girl and soar beyond the stars.
I rarely ever give compliments (people hate me for it) but with Esther Mohammed, I take great pleasure liberally singing her praise. She’s far and away a gem, professionally and personally.
I barely ever give compliments (people hate me for it) but with Esther Mohammed, I take great pleasure liberally singing her praise. She far and away a gem to behold, both professionally and personally.
Such an amazing OAP, always happy.. Never a dull moment listening 2 her!
She’s happy! She’s creative!! She’s got talents!!! Keep soaring Stargirl; d sky’s ur starting point..
Listening to this beautiful lady gives me Joy. Her show is so interesting and inspiring. God bless you.
Wonderful OAP. Very talented and inspiring. Well done Stargirl
Well done Stargirl, You rock
Keep on shining Stargirl… Soon you will be reaching for the stars..
Unwiinding for me is synonymous to Ku nightlife show. It’s all about the Stargirl.