Jaenique Swartz
Energy 100 FM celebrated its 27th birthday on Friday in the capital, where the radio station made an exciting announcement regarding the return of the Miss Energy FM beauty pageant and the launch of its new website.
Aune Kalume, chairperson of the board at the radio station, took guests down memory lane as she recalled the humble and ambitious beginnings of Energy FM.
“We truly came a long way; 27 years in the making and we continue to forge our own employment and opportunities for ourselves. We appreciate our employees who continue to make an impact in our societies, it is a joy to switch on the radio and listen to them,” she said during festivities.
Kalume emphasised during her short speech that the station continues to make room for growth ever since it was founded in 1996 as Namibia’s first youth commercial radio broadcasting across the country.
“It is a testament of innovation and unwavering support from our listeners who allow the radio station to be the most tuned-in station in Namibia with over 100 000 dedicated listeners tuning in.”
General manager of the radio station, Gerald Johr said: “Radio is the theatre of the mind, it is something that you can tune into and form your own perceptions about your presenter and the topics being discussed. It is a medium that allows you to continue on with your day while listening and enjoying the show being presented.”
Dennis Hendricks, founder of the Katutura Fashion Week (KFW), was also in attendance and delighted the audience with the exciting announcement that Miss Energy 100 FM will be making its return in March 2024.
“Miss Energy 100 FM is not just simply a beauty pageant; it is an event that brings communities together. It is a celebration of our cultural diversity, it encourages the Namibian youth to dream big and embrace their own individuality,” said Hendricks.
Energy 100 FM made history in 2018 as the first radio station to incorporate video content.
“This move was about breaking boundaries and developing a deeper relationship with our listeners, it is not just about music and news, but creating a memorable experience,” Hendricks highlighted.
Presenter of the Heart and Soul segment, Reginald Araeb echoed the sentiments of Johr and Kalume, noting just how sentimental this moment is not only for them as employees but for the listeners who continue to make strides in showing up every day to make their shows worthwhile.
“This is a testament to our resilience and the seeds our listeners have sown. It is a testament to the impact we have in our communities in the last 27 years of our existence.”
Moreover, Hendricks allocated the finalists for the beauty pageant who had already been selected. All 12 finalists hailing from various parts of the country will get to showcase their beauty and brains during the competition next year.
Details pertaining to the launch of the Miss Energy FM beauty pageant can be accessed on the new website of the radio station which was officially launched on Friday as well and can be found at energy100fm.com