“One thing I can definitely say about being in the CKUA environment, being in a very nurturing and and beautiful environment, is that there is always a learning opportunity. Our listeners are not just passive listeners. They are creating this radio station, they are maintaining this radio station. And we are doing this on your behalf, dear listeners.
There’s so many brilliant, brilliant people working here now, presently and in the past. And I got to be part of this history, along with our listeners. Every time we get to meet somebody at the festivals or at special events, it’s real, the connection is real. There’s no pretense about how much you love CKUA, and there’s no pretense among us to express that, that we are here because we connect in a way that’s of value, that there is a real connection between us that is organic and nurturing to all. And that’s how it should be.
I didn’t know when to retire, and I also knew that there would be a sign from the universe that will tell me saying it’s your time. So that sign came and it is my time now to to just take things a little bit easier. I’m not getting any younger or, as they say, a little long in the tooth. So it’s time to say goodbye to the most cherished and beloved radio station and radio show and of course, radio audience. I will miss every bit of it. But who knows? This may not be the end. For now, my my dear colleagues and friends are stepping up and and manning the things, you know, the radio cannot be left alone – it needs to be fed. So its people are taking care of it, which is lovely. But all these years it’s been just an amazing connection with our listeners who are the backbone of this radio station. If we didn’t have the kind of listeners we have, we would have no point in having a radio station like CKUA. So we exist in serving our our listeners, and it’s important that they’re not just a secondary thing to the to the radio show. They’re the central point, and we get to serve them in the best way we know. And I think I’m getting to a point where I feel maybe, maybe I should just kind of step down a little bit, step back, and take it easy.”
-Baba, host of Mid-Morning Mojo, August 30, 2024
Arianne Smith-Piquette, CKUA’s Content Director, says, “Mid-Morning Mojo has been a CKUA cornerstone for years; Baba had taken a step back to once a week in 2021, but now he’s looking to fully retire. When Baba is on the air, you’re in for a treat! You might be surprised by some of what you hear, but rest assured, Baba selects each piece of music with a specific listener in mind. Whether it’s children’s music for new parents, or a song inspired by a conversation with a listener, Baba programs with thoughtful intention and has built a deep and special connection with the audience.”
Smith-Piquette adds, “CKUA is an incredible community, and no matter where we go in the province, the first question is always ‘Is Baba here?’ The second question is usually ‘How tall is Baba?’ We want to honour that connection while we celebrate Baba, and we want to ask you to be a part of it. CKUA is going to have a schedule change later in September, but not before we take the time to send off our friend.
We’re looking for your stories of Baba out in the community, your best wishes for Baba in his retirement, or even just a short message to share with him. And stay tuned for an announcement about CKUA’s full celebration of Mid-Morning Mojo and all things Baba!”
Send us your favourite Baba stories below! Use the text-to-booth line, Open Mic feature on the CKUA app, or the form below.
General tips for a good recording:
- Find the quietest room you can, away from windows. Turn off the radio, TV, or anything else that makes noise.
- Recording on a smartphone? Hold it to your ear like you’re making a phone call, instead of holding it in front of your face.
- Recording on a computer or tablet? Position yourself close to the device, place your mouth roughly 6-12 inches from the microphone.
- Do you have a pair of headphones or earbuds with a built-in mic? This may offer better quality than the device by itself.
- Pauses before or after the recording are fine.
Text-to-booth info
1) Use your Voice Memo app or Sound Recorder app to record your message.
2) Start by introducing yourself; we want to know your name and where you’re from
3) What’s your favourite Baba story?
4) What are your well wishes for Baba?
5) Send you recorded audio file as text message to 1-800-494-2582
Audio submission via the app
1) Start by introducing yourself; we want to know your name and where you’re from
2) What’s your favourite Baba story?
3) What are your well wishes for Baba?
4)You have 30 seconds to record!
