Dan Foster (DJ) facts for kids

Daniel Leon Foster (born September 26, 1958 – died June 17, 2020) was a famous American radio host and media expert. People knew him best as The Big Dawg. He lived and worked in Nigeria for many years. Dan Foster was also a judge on popular TV shows like Idol and Got Talent.

Dan Foster's Early Life and Education

Dan Foster was born in San Francisco, California. He grew up with his three brothers and sisters in Prince George's County, Maryland. His father, Samuel, was a veteran from the Air Force. Dan's mother passed away when he was ten years old. Sometimes, he lived with his grandmother in Baltimore.

As a teenager, Dan loved playing football at Surrattsville High School. After high school, he joined the Marines. This helped him earn a scholarship for college. While in the Marines, he even hosted his own show on the Marines radio service!

After leaving the Marines, Dan went to Towson University. Later, he moved to Morgan State University. There, he studied Broadcasting and Drama, which helped him prepare for his amazing career.

Dan Foster's Career Journey

Dan Foster had a very exciting career in radio and television. He was known for his unique style and friendly voice.

Radio Career Highlights

Dan Foster worked at many radio stations before moving to Nigeria. These included Cathy Hughes Radio One and Mix 106.5. He also worked at WTBN in the Virgin Islands.

In February 2000, Dan moved to Nigeria. He took over the Good Morning Nigeria Show on Cool FM. Dan quickly became very popular with Nigerian listeners. He learned to use local phrases in his broadcasts. He also hosted fun parts of the show like Inspirational Thought and Candid Phone.

Dan won many awards for his radio work. He was named Best Radio Presenter in 2001. He also won the Nigeria Media Merit Award for Best Radio Personality in 2003, 2004, and 2005. The City People Awards honored him as Media Person of the Year in 2004 and 2005.

In 2008, Dan left Cool FM to join a new station called Inspiration FM. He became the Head of Programmes there. Later, in 2014, he moved to City FM. In May 2016, Dan joined Classic FM 97.3, an oldies music station. He hosted The Morning Show until August 2019.

Television Appearances

Besides radio, Dan Foster was also a familiar face on television.

In 2007, he was a judge on Idols West Africa. He judged alongside Nigerian musician Dede Mabiaku and Ghanaian singer Abrewa Nana. People sometimes compared him to the American judge Randy Jackson.

Later, in 2012 and 2013, Dan was a judge on Nigeria's Got Talent. He worked with actress Kate Henshaw and comedian Yibo Koko to find new talents.

Other Exciting Projects

Dan Foster also explored other areas in the entertainment world.

In 2001, he had a small part in a Nollywood film called Face of a Liar. Nollywood is the Nigerian film industry.

He was also a promoter and created the Cool FM Praise Jam concerts. These concerts started in 2004 and attracted over 22,000 people.

Dan Foster's Family Life

Dan Foster had a son named Joshua from an earlier marriage. He was married to Lovina Okpara, who is Nigerian. Together, they had three children: daughters Kayla and Daniella, and a son named Somtochukwu.

Sadly, Dan Foster passed away on June 17, 2020. He died from complications of COVID-19 during the pandemic. He was diagnosed with the illness just one day before he passed away.

Dan Foster's Lasting Impact

Dan Foster left a big mark on the broadcasting world, especially in Nigeria. Many people say he changed radio forever with his natural and lively style. He helped create the modern sound of radio in Nigeria.

Silverbird's Ben Murray-Bruce called him a "veteran radio host bar none." Veteran journalist Ben Tomoloju praised Dan for making broadcasting better. He said Dan was a "role model" and a "solid phenomenon" both on and off the air.

Dan Foster's popularity inspired many new radio personalities. They copied his style, connecting with listeners through inspiring and friendly conversations. He also helped many beginners in broadcasting. Before he passed away, he had plans to start his own radio station.