Celebrity RJs rocking ABC airwaves

Getting some star power to boost listenership is not a new tactic in the entertainment radio business, and the practice has been quite common in Bangladesh in the last few years. ABC Radio, which claims to be the most popular radio station of the country, have now got four very familiar voices behind the microphone in their studio, engaging the listeners with their own signature shows. Comedian Naveed Mahmud, pop singer-producer Hridoy Khan and rock stars Lincoln (Artcell) and Rafa (ex-Aurthohin) have all been rocking the airwaves on 89.2FM with their own signature shows since early October.

Hridoy Khan in the studio.

Naveed Mahbub, the engineer-turned-comedian, takes on the morning commuters with his show Good Morning Bangladesh on weekdays from 8-11am. His show features news pieces with his humourous take on them, public service messages, interviews, career advice, phone calls from listeners and freebie giveaways sandwiched between popular songs.

Hridoy Khan has been in the music circuit for a while now, and has enjoyed his share of success. The pop artiste has branched out from singing into music production, and has worked with many artistes, as well as in films and commercials. His show, branded “The HK Show” airs every Saturday from 9-11pm, and features launch of his unreleased tracks, live performances, phone-ins from listeners and a Hridoy Mix contest.

George Lincoln D'Costa, or Lincoln -- as he is known to his fans, is one of the biggest names in Bangladeshi rock music. He finds time out of fronting the groundbreaking prog-rock quartet Artcell with his grungy, emphatic voice and guitar riffs, to take the RJ's role on “Hangover with Lincoln” on every alternate Wednesdays from 9-11pm. The show features release of Lincoln's unreleased music, updates from his band, guest-starring Artcell members and other musicians and phone-ins.

Naveed Mahbub in the studio.

Producer-singer-multi-instrumentalist Rafa has worked with the top musicians of the country, and has now added another feather to his hat, with “”Hotbox with Rafa”, every Monday from 9-11pm. Aside from live performances, launching of a new track every show and phone interaction with listeners, his show also features a karaoke contest.