Rinse Announce Acquisition Of Kool FM

They've taken control of the seminal London station...

Rinse have confirmed the acquisition of Kool FM.

The move brings together two giants of London underground radio, with Rinse stepping in to guide the relaunch of Kool FM. While currently off-air, Kool FM will be back on the airwaves shortly, with the Rinse team building a fresh era for this iconic name in broadcasting.

A truly legendary pirate station, Kool FM acted as a platform for jungle, DNB, and UK garage artists, while also providing a hub for grime’s nascent first wave. Phenomenally influential – Four Tet even named a song after the station – Kool FM blended incredible curatorship with stubborn support for the underground.

Speaking on the acquisition, Rinse FM’s founder Geeneus says:

Around the age of 12 years old I was introduced to pirate radio by some of my older cousins. I spent most of my time trying to figure out what was going on and get more understanding of pirate radio, but it wasn’t long after that I stumbled upon Kool FM 94.5 and it soon became an obsession.

Starting Rinse for me was based on the passion and love I had for Kool FM. To be able to join the Pirate radio community and say we are joining the fight to showcase true underground music created in our community was something I was extremely proud of. It led me to dedicate my life to helping the underground, searching for talent and encouraging young creatives from our background to try. We created a platform that I hope has helped many, and for that I have Kool FM to thank.

Soooo! being able to say in words that after 31 years of hard work, Eastman and Suzy have decided to pass the baton over to us to continue the Kool Legacy. I can’t even begin to explain how I’d feel if I could tell the 15 year old me I would one day own Kool FM and Jungle Fever. It is beyond a privilege and I hope to do it justice. Thank you to Kool, Eastman And Suzy for trusting me with this. It means a lot. Kool FM, Jungle Fever – Lets Goooo!

Discussing the move, Kool FM founder Eastman adds:

31 years is a long time out of anyone’s life so it is with deep sadness that Suzy and myself have come to the decision to retire from radio and pass the ownership and running of Kool on. Geeneus has an excellent track record of achievements in radio and also has first class knowledge of Kool and myself as we worked together on the roofs putting Kool and Rinse on.

Back in the day he was a big Kool listener and took inspiration from Kool and the way we ran the station. His love for Kool is 100% and that’s why we have put trust in Gee to get Kool to the next level. We must say thank you to those who have helped with the running of Kool or been a part of Kool in any way over the past 31 years. It’s been a massive, life changing journey for Suzy and myself. This is not the end, this is a new beginning for Kool. Thank you all for your support.

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