Created by Sandy Nene
Executive and Content Producer: SamaJobe
Photo: supplied
Why Radio?
The way I grew up made me love radio, I would always be discriminated against. Either because I was poor or because I didn’t do what everybody did, I never succumbed to peer pressure. I always would want to be different. I once had a dream of being a Climatologist, I also had love for medicine but I’m too sensitive I’m afraid of blood. I thought I can do a good job as a TV News reader, I held on this dream until after grade 12. Due to financial difficulties, I had to study through UNISA since I knew I could study as I work on the side.
So in 2019 I started recording myself covering trending stories in Waterloo where I stay, making myself ready to venture in the News reporting field, people loved what I did and thought it sounds more like radio than TV. One guy introduced me to Mlwazet, who owns a broadcasting academy, where I completed my basic radio course.
Which other radio stations have you worked for?
First radio gig was at UYFM 105.0 in Richards Bay, I was hired to host the Drive show but the breakfast duo didn’t get along so they were separated and I took the throne, 5 - 9 weekdays. Whenever people tried to describe that station, they would describe me. (This is me being cocky Me 😎).
Second radio gig was at DYR 105.1, I co-presented a 18h00 - 22h00 show hosted by Lifa.
Third radio gig, I hosted the drive on Vibe 94.7 with Sbo Mthethwa and with Miss Bee, most talented people I’ve worked with. The shows did very great.
Now I’m at Vuma 103 FM as a standby DJ, which is a dream that came true to me.
Photo: Supplied
Did you study radio?
I did not study radio, I was considering it but my Mentor Kini Shandu advised me otherwise, he said to me if I study media I’ll sound like every other media personality but if I study something outside of media I’ll bring a different perspective on air. Vuma FM Programs Manager, Vusi Shangase, also suggested I complete my degree as I was thinking of dropping it and study radio, I honestly think I won’t study radio, after all Bob Mabena never had Matric but he was a legend. May His Soul Rest In Peace. Also, studying radio in class I won’t do, but I study radio everyday I am a big fan of radio, I might not be on air full time but I’m a full time radio person, I’m always studying radio.
Besides radio, what other projects are you currently busy or involved with?
I can’t reveal all I’m working on, people can follow me on social media, @mankini_mgenge. Otherwise I run Nkanyiso Communications, a digital migration business, I also run Bongamandla Foundation, an anti drugs and discrimination organization, I also have a part time job. I am an MC and I’m currently taking DJying lessons.
Photo: Supplied
Who is your South African Radio icon?
Kini Shandu is my Icon, the name Manķini has his influence although it is my clan name. Kini is very proud of where he comes from, him constantly mentioning he is from emakhaya made me realize I can also make it to radio, he is the best radio person to ever grace the airwaves according to me.
What can we expect from you in the next Five years?
In the next Five years I hope to be nominated on the radio awards. I hope to be the host of a big show on a commercial station, I hope to be married to my girlfriend and I hope to have my own property.
How often do you listen to other radio stations and which radio station do you usually listens to?
I sleep with radio on, I listen to radio all the time unless when I’m at work. I listen to Vuma FM, I listen to my friends in various stations in KZN. I listen to Thomas and Skhumba, I listen to Anele, I think Msizi James is the best presenter right now, I listen to him a lot.
What has working on radio has taught you?
Working on radio has taught me the importance of networking, Kini always says radio won’t make you rich, but you can make your fortune through the people you meet on radio, network, network, network.
What advice can you give to aspiring radio broadcasters?
I am mentoring a few guys, they don’t want to listen to radio, I think rule number one is listening to radio, if you fail at that no one can help you.
