Rinse FM acquires pirate radio station Kool London Radio

Leading dance music radio station Rinse FM has acquired Kool London Radio, the legendary London pirate radio station known for being a home for jungle and drum ‘n’ bass in the 1990s.

The station has been off air since the January 1, but will be relauched at Kool FM (the station’s original name), with a new roster of DJs and MC that are yet to be announced.

Kool’s long-running party series Jungle Fever will also be taken over by Rinse.

Announcing the news in a Facebook post, Rinse FM founder Geeneus wrote: “Welcome to the Rinse family Kool FM!

“Around the age of 12 years old, I was introduced to Pirate radio by some of my older cousins, it wasn’t long after that I stumbled upon Kool FM 94.5, and it soon became an obsession,” he continued. “Starting Rinse for me was based on the passion and love I had for Kool FM.

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“After 31 years of hard work, Eastman and Suzy [Susie G, Kool’s former owners] have decided to pass the baton over to us to continue the Kool legacy.

“It is beyond a privilege and I hope to do it justice. Thank you to Kool, Eastman and Suzy for trusting me with this.”

The news comes after Eastman announced that he and Susie G would be passing on the ownership of the radio station during his final radio show on New Year’s Eve.

In a post on Kool’s website he wrote: “It is with great regret and deep sadness but hopefully the right move for the future and longevity of Kool, Suzy and myself have come to the decision to retire from radio and pass the ownership and running of Kool on.

“Myself personally, I feel that at 64 years old, I can’t contribute to Kool, Jungle and DnB the way I have in the past, keeping up with all the new talent, going to events and being involved as I was,” he continued.

“We must say a big love and thanks to those who have helped with the running of Kool over the past few years; Tentun, Dan Darkness, Jack-knife, Old Skool and Uno for helping us out.

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“A big special thanks to all our listeners over the past 31 years. It’s truly been unbelievable the amount of Love and respect the station and ourselves have had from the listeners has been second to none, and how faithful as listeners you have been and total respect to all our DJs/MCs that have been a part of Kool over the past 31 years and became household names like Brockie, Det, Ragga Twins, Bryan Gee, Skibadee R.I.P, Shabba, Funky Flirt, Dj Ron and so many more, the list is endless 100% love and respect for your support.”

Kool FM started in 1991, broadcasting from the rooftops of East London rooftops. It quickly became an influential home on the airwaves for jungle, drum ‘n’ bass and hardcore, with a number of key artists in the scene appearing down the years.

Isaac Muk is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow him on Twitter