Krazy for you!

CONTROVERSY rages over plans to "move" zany breakfast show host DJ Krazy Kevin from Radio Bahrain 96.5 FM station's prime morning slot to an afternoon show.

The decision by the station's management, which was exclusively revealed in The Whisperer column in last week's GulfWeekly, has stunned listeners.

For five years he has entertained parents on the school run and their children with his witty repartee, competitions and avalanche of requests.

While some people love his early morning banter and quirky selection of music others cringe at his brashness and his cheesy sense of humour.

One critic on accessGCC.com said: "Sitting up a quiet lane one day fiddling with my dial (on the radio) brought KRAZY KEVIN to my attention! What is this man on, I thought? I found a unique nutter who is a great laugh!"

And there has been a regular debate about the showman, who is almost as well known in the kingdom for his bright-coloured attire as his voice, on the letters page of our sister newspaper, Gulf Daily News.

One listener wrote: "I DON'T care what Krazy Kev plays on the radio but I do find his picture in the paper offensive and not suitable for children or animals.

"I feel the relevant authorities should be informed (i.e. the fashion police) who should arrest the man immediately."

Management at the station are keeping tight-lipped about the reasons behind the change-over plan for presenters - although it is understood to have followed a heated discussion over New Year's Day working and time-keeping issues concerning a number of staff.

Salah Khalid, head of Radio Bahrain, said: "No comment. We will announce the changes once we have decided the programme schedule."

Krazy Kev, a former UK DJ of the Year, moved to Bahrain nine years ago to take up DJ residency at JJ's and BJ's nightspots, after spells in Hong Kong and Dubai.

The coveted breakfast show is going to Radio Bahrain stalwart Ian Fisher from February.

GulfWeekly finds out what mothers, children and commuters have to say about this impending shift.

Rizwan Qureshi, computer consultant: Krazy Kevin is a familiar voice in the morning though not necessarily the best one. He is not the best of DJ's but he's the only one Bahrain has had for many years. I don't know who will come in his place but whoever it is should be as chirpy as him.

Mohammad Ali, six: He's funny! I sing the jingle, 'It's Krazy Kevin's golden album of the week ...' every time it is played on the radio. When he was sick I missed hearing his voice in the morning.

Bella Wilkinson, housewife, with Danielle, six: My children don't listen to Krazy Kevin in the morning. Instead they switch on a CD of their choice on the way to school. But I listen to Krazy Kevin and I think no one can replace him.

Anne Renard, human resource consultant, with Niousha, one: I listen to Radio Bahrain when I'm driving to work in the morning and BBC World Service when I'm returning home.

I'm not a fan of Krazy Kevin but because I don't have a choice of another English radio channel I switch on Radio Bahrain. Krazy Kevin has the same jokes, the same talk and to me his jokes are not even funny! I'm really bored with him.

A change will definitely be refreshing but along with changing the DJ the concept should also be changed. If the radio brings in someone who is pretty much doing the same thing then it will not be interesting.

Helen Jackson, speech therapist, with twins Alice and Archie, five: Listening to Krazy Kevin gives a bright start to the morning. Alice and Archie love listening to the names and requests and beginning of the school day is associated with Krazy Kevin. He should stay!

Pieter Kruger, brand manager of Audi: I listen to the radio when I'm going to work in the morning and it so happens that that's the time Krazy Kevin is on air. He talks about topics that interest me like the happenings on the island, Rugby Club and so forth.

Although I enjoy listening to him, I feel that a change may be for the better.

Hafsa Hassan, housewife, with Safura (left), nine, and Maryam, 11: Krazy Kevin is just too loud and I'm not a morning person. I need something slow and serene. Most days I listen to the BBC World Service. He's just too noisy.

Angie Bilbow, learning support assistant, with Katie, eight: We don't know much about Krazy Kevin as we are new in Bahrain. We switch on the radio, be it 96.5 FM or BBC World Service, in the morning more for the background noise than anything else.

Tia Taskila, housewife, with Pyry, five, and Onni, four: We all love Krazy Kevin and my boys have to listen to him on the way to school. It is part of the school routine. He plays the songs that are happy and light. You cannot be in a bad mood when you hear him on the radio as he is cheerful and happy every morning and keeps you in a good mood with his jokes.

Fatima Habib, housewife, with Sahar, seven, and Afraz, five: Krazy Kevin is in your face. He's crazy and fun and Sahar likes the songs he plays.

Although he does talk rubbish at least he does not speak about war and politics as I don't want to start my day listening to serious stuff. A change is a good sign because you don't know what you are missing till it's gone. Good or bad I will wait and hear and till then I shall listen to Krazy Kevin's noise in the morning.