Imagine you without Cosmo and you're staring into a bleak reality that has persisted for over a decade now.
More than just a radio station, Cosmo FM was the best thing to grace southeast Nigeria since Okpa, Abacha, and Palm Wine.
It wasn't merely a broadcaster; it was a cultural phenomenon, transforming Coal City and the entire East into an entertainment powerhouse.
From delivering the freshest music and entertainment scoops, both local and foreign, to catalyzing the emergence of voices like Bracket, J Martins, and Nigga Raw, this station was a trailblazer. The energy was a vibe and a testament to the exuberance of its young presenters and DJs.
But then came the EFCC, with allegations of misappropriation of public funds, and the impending demise of this once-thriving station.
So, how did a radio station transition from being a pop-culture cornerstone to vanishing into thin air?
Welcome to the story of “Cosmo FM: The rise and fall of a station, too much for one nation.”
(Cosmo Fm Was located at Independence Layout, Enugu.)
Back Story
In the late '90s, following the global spectacle of the feud between U.S. hip-hop stars 2PAC Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G - and their consequent deaths, there was an escalating demand for Western music—HipHop, R&B, and Pop. Unfortunately, The southeast of Nigeria lacked the independent broadcasting houses present in Lagos, leaving a void in specialized music and entertainment content..
Minaj Radio in Obosi, Anambra, existed, but its reach and range couldn't cater adequately to the youth's cravings.
In Enugu, government-owned stations were all you could get. While the regional network of Radio Nigeria, Coal City FM, barely took a break from the tedious, talk-based network programming, its state counterpart, Enugu State Broadcasting Service, ESBS, was the same. Except, to be fair to ESBS, you could sometimes get abridged versions of contemporary music and entertainment programming, albeit during off-peak periods and weekends. The same was true for government-owned stations in neighboring Abia, Ebonyi, and Imo states.
(Chimaroke Nnamadni -Governor of Enugu 1999-2003)
Enter Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani, The first executive Governor of Enugu since the return of democracy, who was about to end all that misery for the millennials.
As someone in control of state funds and apparatus, he had the capability to readily allocate the necessary resources and establish connections for such a capital-intensive project.
And who better to be tasked with assembling requisite infrastructure and talents than the late legendary broadcaster and media executive, Jika Attoh. With his expertise and Chimaroke's money, Cosmo FM became a reality in May 2003. And it was the beginning of a new dawn.
The Beginning of an era
Jika Attoh, MD Cosmo FM
Cosmo embarked on its sonic journey at 93.5 megahertz on the F.M. band, later grooving its way to 105.5 FM. My initial reaction: "A radio station playing music 24/7? Unprecedented!" A groundbreaking move for the Eastern audience - the first all-music channel and a 24-hour broadcasting pioneer. Do they ever sleep? No, Cosmo FM was the insomniac maestro. Crucially, it was the first dedicated channel catering to the vibrant demographic of 14 to 30 years.
Meet Lydia, “Shakespeare's Sister,” kickstarting your day with "Hakuna Matata" - a breakfast magazine show occasionally featuring interviews with VIPs and government officials. Mid-mornings swayed to the DJ symphony of FX2 or DJ Diddy. Afternoons were under Spaceman's cruise control - more music, less talk. Drive time unleashed another DJ extravaganza, chiefly orchestrated by DJ F.X. 2, "DJ Jeff is deaf," and, of course, DJ Grandfingaz . As dusk settled, X-man took the reins with the early night shift, and you could “lean on” Cleopatra with the love tales late into the night.
(Chucks Robert, Radio host @ Cosmo FM)
In the mix, Ralph delivered a sports blitz that hit the southeast like a tsunami. Drive time added a comedic touch with Ogus Baba, There were also programs like, “believe it or not, -every wednesday evening, and “we love nigerian music’ - which was hosted by Temi on saturdays. Temi would program more than an hour-long spin of Nigerians music on radio. This was when Nigerian music barely got airplay.
Cosmo didn't just bring Lagos to Enugu; it teleported New York, California, and London. A one-stop gateway to global music and lifestyle featuring the reigning stars of that era- Eminem, 50 Cent, Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, 2 Face Idibia, Tony Tetula, and many more.
You could get Premier League match scores without visiting the newspaper stand the next day.
Picture this: calling and participating in a radio program in real time with less censorship. Cosmo FM made it a reality for the Southeast audience.
(Cosmo FM’s Team: L-R, DJ GrandFingaz, Lydia, Jigga, X-Man, J-D, Spaceman)
Broadcasting from Enugu but embraced across the southeast - Ebonyi, Abia, I.M.O., Anambra - even stretching its “unbranded” sounds to boundary cities in Benue, Cross River, Delta, Rivers and Edo. The official voice for universities and campuses, where you could shout out to your special someone.
The programming expanded with overseas syndications - the World Chart show by PJ Butter, Rick Dees Weekly Top 40, Coca Cola Mix show by DJ A1, The African Chart by Brown Sugar - to name a few.
All these were possible because of the youthful vigor of Cosmo's team, which later included seasoned presenters like JD, Iyke D Gee, Sydney, Gloria, Juanita, Elvis, Frankie, Jenifer, Snowman, Afsok and more.
The Impact
Imagine you reside in Lagos - where you have access to the Cool F.M.s, the Rhythm F.M.s of this world, and you have fallen in love with their presenters and shows. You love listening to the sound of Jay Jay the Mega Don, and your day is incomplete without this feeling.
Now, fate guides you back to the East for studies at UNIZIK or EBSU. Keep in mind that Internet penetration is a luxury, apps are a myth, making virtual connections only a dream.
But you arrive, the first thing you hear in the cab heading inside the campus is "lean back," "lean back," and you're bumping to it and realize from the presenter who announces at the top of the song - it's fat Joe & the terror squad with a brand new joint, “lean back.”
You copy the frequency and dial it on your Nokia Touch. And it is real. You settle in. Try it again in the evening, and it's still on. Wake up at midnight, try it. It is still on. Same as the next day. Soon, you'll find out Didier Drogba was still leading the premier goal-scoring chart, and you didn't have to read it in the papers.
Call your folks in Lagos. "I think I like this school."
You're no longer interested in a direct entry next year to Unilag.
This is the perfect tale of how Cosmo FM weaved into lives. And there are different shades to this narrative.
(Mr Raw, rapper, former Nigga Raw was one of the voices Cosmo FM promoted)
For instance, you could pursue a career as a music artist in the East because of an existing radio station broadening your reach. The ascent of stars like Mr. Raw, J-Martins, Bracket, Mekoyo, Flavour, illBliss, Obiwon, and somewhat PSquare owes a nod to Cosmo FM's influence
Beyond imagination, Cosmo FM molded the landscape - shaping events hosting, nightlife, and pop-culture across the region. They took parties to the people. Whether it's the Christmas season, the Valentine's season, or whatever season, even when there's no season, Cosmo will give you a reason to party.
With O.A.P.s engaging with listeners in person, a rarity at the time in that region of the country, broadcasting transformed from rocket science to a vibrant reality. "OMG, is this the Spaceman I've heard on-air?" "Can't believe it's Big Sydney in the flesh." A shift in perspective that ignited young minds' interest in broadcasting careers across the region.
The End of An Era
They claim all good things must end, but must the end be in such a hurry? Case in point: Cosmo disappeared faster than expected. Blame it on the EFCC.
(The EFCC was established in 2002)
The EFCC, not a trendy acronym for a new boy band, but the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. It was established a year before Cosmo FM came to life by then-President Olusegun Obasanjo in response to international pressure on Nigeria's notoriety for corruption and money laundering. Their job? Hunt down businesses whose cash flow took a stroll on the shady side. Of course, businesses owned by high-and-mighty politicians were like low-hanging fruit, considering how much state resources they had control over.
Enter Chimaroke Nnamani, the man behind Cosmo FM, operating under Ceuna Communications. EFCC smelled something fishy just as Chimaroke was eyeing his last months in office.
The first raid by the commission took place in December 2006; 5 months before the Governor's tenure would end. At this time, the Governor was still adamant that all resources into the establishment came from a legitimate source and that he didn't meddle in state funds.
But that will mark the beginning of the end of Cosmo because the EFCC never seemed convinced.
In May 2007, Chimaroke exited office, but not without a Lagos Federal High Court indictment for a whopping N5.3 billion corruption and embezzlement allegation. EFCC gets the green light to snatch everything, including Cosmo FM, Rainbownet Telecoms, Renaissance University Teaching Hospital, you name it.
Cosmo FM was still operational after the seizure. Although an ardent listener could tell, something was going wrong internally. The station wasn't the same again. Some of the O.A.P.s started leaving.
(Chimaroke’s business interests included but not limited to Rainbownet Telecoms, Renaissance University Teaching Hospital (pictured above))
Chimaroke did put up a fight to save the station, but all his appeals proved futile. The turbulent atmosphere went on for about 2 years - during which the station started experiencing too many breaks in transmission, inconsistent programming, and diminishing public trust.
In August 2009, the station was completely sealed by the commission. It vanished, leaving fans hanging. The end of an era, they said.
And to ensure this station, too much for one nation, stays in the radio graveyard forever, in 2015, Chimaroke threw in the towel, surrendering the property after the company pleaded guilty as charged.
Farewell Cosmo. Gone But Not forgotten.
NB: The images and other media featured in this article were sourced from various social media platforms and Google, and were used under fair use clause for purposes such as criticism, COMMENT, news reporting and teaching.