Have you ever strolled through an urban center or village market and heard the familiar call, “Karibia karibia customer, upate line ya Airtel free of charge”? This catchy phrase, calling customers to get free Airtel SIM cards, has spread across the country. But, have you ever wondered who the voice behind the phrase is? Meet Simon Richoh, the man behind the voice that has become a nationwide sensation.
Who is Simon Richoh?
Simon Richoh is a multi-talented individual. He is an artist, entertainer, marketer, and businessman. Before becoming the voice that calls out to Airtel customers, he worked as a bodaboda rider in Githurai 45, Nairobi. His journey is one of creativity, perseverance, and hard work.
Richoh moved to Nairobi in 2017 right after finishing high school. He was eager to secure a job, which he found in sales. His tas was selling Airtel SIM cards. However, what he did next set him apart from other salespeople.
How Simon Richoh Created “Karibia Karibia Customer”
While selling Airtel SIM cards, Richoh and his friends earned commissions based on their sales. But, he wanted to stand out. To do that, he took a unique approach. Simon went to a studio and recorded the now-famous phrase: “Karibia karibia customer, upate line ya Airtel free of charge.” He would then play it on his Bluetooth speaker while walking around, marketing the SIM cards.
“We were selling SIM cards, and I’m a creative person, so I visited the studio to record the catchphrase. Since we were giving the cards for free, I thought the message should be clear and catchy,” Richoh said.
This smart move paid off. Soon, his colleagues noticed how much attention he was getting and asked for the recording. Before long, his voice became synonymous with Airtel’s free SIM card offer, echoing across towns and markets all over Kenya.
Simon Richoh’s Voice Goes Viral
Richoh’s creative recording didn’t just help his sales—it went viral. His voice could be heard everywhere, as sellers and vendors adopted his catchy call. While many recognized the voice, few knew the man behind it.
Despite his voice going viral, Richoh’s personal life didn’t reflect the same success. In several interviews, he revealed the tough times he faced, including almost being evicted from his home due to rent arrears. Though his voice had become a national sensation, his financial situation remained difficult.
Surprisingly, Richoh was never officially contracted by Airtel to record the famous phrase. He created it on his own, hoping to boost his sales. However, after sharing his struggles publicly, the telco reached out to him. They acknowledged his contribution but explained that they couldn’t compensate him for the past recordings. Airtel mentioned that there might be an opportunity for collaboration on future projects.