The last Smooth Talk

By Sam Phiri For 24 consecutive years the ZNBC iconic talk show ‘Smooth Talk’ has been a fixture of Zambia’s television landscape. Tonight at 22:00 hours it bows out for the final time. Its creator and long‑time host, Innocent Kalaluka widely known to viewers as Smooth IK admits that letting go of a programme that […]

By Sam Phiri

For 24 consecutive years the ZNBC iconic talk show ‘Smooth Talk’ has been a fixture of Zambia’s television landscape.

Tonight at 22:00 hours it bows out for the final time.

Its creator and long‑time host, Innocent Kalaluka widely known to viewers as Smooth IK admits that letting go of a programme that has come to define him is nothing close to easy.

“I loved that show,” he says. “Everything has an end. Smooth Talk was always going to reach a close. I am grateful to ZNBC management, to the viewers and, above all, to the wonderful guests and audiences who made me who I am.”

Kalaluka announced his retirement from the national broadcaster despite still appearing youthful and fit enough to continue on screen for years.

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His decision marks the end of an extraordinary run: Smooth Talk was recorded every week for 1,248 episodes and introduced audiences to a wide range of talent; musicians, actors, comedians, dancers, authors, educators and many other creative voices.

Tomorrow’s final edition is being billed as a farewell in which former guests and others whose lives the programme touched will gather to pay tribute.

The intimate studio that has framed so many conversations is expected to feel smaller as friends, colleagues and viewers help the show’s architect take his last bow.