‘He was Nigeria’s new kind of radio host’ — New York Times pays tribute to Dan Foster

The New York Times, a respected newspaper based in the US, has paid tribute to Dan Foster, late Nigerian-American broadcaster.

The veteran media personality passed away on June 17, after suffering complications from COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.

In an obituary series dedicated to people who lost the battle to the virus, the elite newspaper described the deceased as one of those who redefined radio broadcasting in Nigeria.

“Dan Foster had a big voice, a love of giving away gifts and a light touch with a story. And when he arrived in Nigeria to work in radio in 2000, he found a public that was ready for him,” it wrote.

“The country’s airwaves had only recently emerged from state control, and Mr. Foster’s mix of plain talk, folksy humor and American swagger — calling himself the Big Dawg or the Top Dawg — made him a new kind of morning radio host, one of the most popular in the country.”

In the series, titled ‘Those We’ve Lost’, the prominent newspaper also explained how the 61-year-old radio personality had a smooth sail into the Nigerian broadcasting landscape after undergoing some tumultuous moments in the US.

“Unlike previous radio hosts from the United States, who never fully settled in, Mr. Foster immersed himself in Nigeria’s culture, dressing in local fashions and dropping phrases from the local languages into his on-air patter,” it added.

NYT also lauded the deceased’s influence on the country’s movie landscape as well as shows such as “Idols West Africa” and “Nigeria’s Got Talent,” where he featured as a judge.