Created by Sandy Nene
Executive and Content Producer: SamaJobe
Nqubeko Ndlela. Photo: Supplied
Why Radio?
I fell in love with radio when I was young, I was 7 years when I started to develop love for radio. I listened to radio presenters of that time, until I had a wish of becoming a radio presenter. I did a research about how to become a radio presenter and associated myself with other radio presenters, they guided me through until I went to Nongoma fm auditions in 2013.
Which other radio stations have you worked for?
There's no radio station I have worked for before, Nongoma Fm is my first radio station to work for. Before I used to be a guest on Teenzone on Ukhozi fm with Nomfundo Mkhize, the producer of the show was Phumeza Hlabisa-Dlodlongwana. They loved my energy on radio that's why they used to invite me.
Did you study radio?
No, I didn't study radio.
Besides radio, what other projects are you currently busy or involved with?
Projects that I’m busy with besides radio is the back to school campaign, where we provide school uniform and stationary to needy children. Vodacom sponsors me with stationary as their back to school program.
Nqubeko Ndlela. Photo: Supplied
Who is your South African Radio icon?
I have plenty of them, Linda “Mr Magic” Sibiya, Khathide “Tshatha” Ngobe, Nonhlanhla “Mroza” Buthelezi, Dudu “LadyD” Khoza, Selby Mkhize and Siya Mhlongo. I love everything they do on radio, they make me feel that I also fit in radio.
What can we expect from you in the next 5 years?
Mmmh! In the next five years I see myself working for big radio stations and have a larger audience than that I have now.
How often do you listen to other radio stations and which radio station do you usually listens to?
I listen to Metro fm most of the time especially on Saturdays between 4 and 6 am. I also listen to Ukhozi fm, any show depends on the time I get.
What has working on radio has taught you?
Yhooo it has taught me a lot! You can have enemies that you don’t know of, people that you don’t even know to begin with, you don’t know what you have done either. I’ve learnt perseverance, understanding everyone and to forgive. To work under pressure sometimes.
Nqubeko Ndlela. Photo: Supplied
What advice can you give to aspiring radio broadcasters?
I'd say they should fall in love with radio and to work for the community because if they come with a mindset of being celebrities they won't make it. Radio is not about being famous, you have to work hard for the community with dedication. I see how our fellow brothers and sisters fell in love with radio, I think they think it's easy being a radio presenter. It's not easy because it needs all of your time and dedication. So if they really love radio, it should be a passion not because they've seen people doing it.
