Created by Sandy Nene
Executive and Content Producer: SamaJobe
Siphesihle Mdlalose. Photo: Supplied
Why Radio?
Because radio is a source of information man, Radio is a traditional way of communicating with different communities all at once. It’s one of the most powerful tools to convey or pass a message, knowledge and information.
I’m a knowledge seeker and I love sharing knowledge, radio is where I can get and share information at the same time. It’s one platform with an infinite and limitless opportunities, possibilities and growth.
Which other radio stations have you worked for?
I’ve been on radio for 3 years and I’ve only worked for Ukhahlamba 93.4 FM, based in Estcourt KZN. It’s been a very fruitful journey, you know coz I’ve managed to explore a lot of aspects in radio, from the news to production, broadcasting and recently, digital marketing.
Did you study radio?
I didn’t study radio, I studied electrical engineering. I was introduced to radio through a visual live streaming project for a biggest hip hop festival in Africa, Back to the city Festival. Taking part in that project made me realize that I could explore more about broadcasting while applying my engineering Knowledge, I figured I had a place on radio because the technical side of things is always there. However, I have completed a credited training in Practical radio operations (governance, marketing, production and regulations).
Siphesihle Mdlalose. Photo: Supplied
Besides radio, what other projects are you currently busy or involved with?
I’m currently studying Web development through Radio 101 and MDDA media interactive programme. I’m also in collaboration with a coworker of mine B_Flex, we’re building an imprint called The Artistic Zone whose list of services include: Content creation, Graphic Design, Music Recording, Mixing and mastering, Photography, Artist Profiles and Biographies, Artist Branding, Audio and visual Adverts etc. For fun and improvement of my writing skills, I’m also working on a digital comic book, it’s all about fiction and technology. I was that kid, a stereo and comics. I didn’t like reading newspapers nor magazines 😂 I just loved the comic section.
Who is your South African Radio icon?
That’s a very hard question.
I have to go with Alex Mthiyane. My definition of a perfect radio personality. He is very informative! Confident and so comfortable with his own personality. I love how he smoothly blends in with different radio personalities, his communication skills are so good that he paints clear images through words. I appreciate the emphasis on his links.
Alex Mthiyane. Photo: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=493204215494568&id=100044149820648
What can we expect from you in the next five years?
You know we all need money, so the five year plan is money motivated 😂 I’ll use all the skills and resources I’ve obtained to make money. The world is going digital man, so I’m definitely going digital. Yeah I’ll still be on radio. We’re safe on radio, coz machines, programmes and robots can’t replace radio. Maybe artificial intelligence can, but not anytime soon. I’ll still be on radio, my team and I at Ukhahlamba 93.4FM are Rebranding, we’ll produce more fresh, more solid and more timeless content. As a web designer, I’ll make sure that I store the content online, The audience can access it anytime anywhere! I’ll be doing that for different brands too, making sure their content is safely stored on the net. Their clients can access it anytime, anywhere.
On the other hand,
I don’t like the fact that South African entertainment information is really hard to find on the net. Among other things we do with The Artistic Zone, we’re planning to work hard to improve that.
We’ll also play our role, in the next five years, we will have sort of a digital SA Entertainment "museum" where everyone can access all the information they want about anything and everything SA Entertainment, from Profiles, Biographies, Auto biographies, Origins of certain African elements, Genres, Records and a detailed history of SA Entertainment industry.
While we’re on that note, I’d like to thank you for this movement. I really appreciate what you are doing for media personalities, your blog will be very helpful and successful because we need to know our favorite media personalities. This is a great initiative. It will be a digital radio 'museum’😅
How often do you listen to other radio stations and which radio station do you usually listens to?
I listen to other radio stations whenever I feel like I’m no longer growing professionally and creatively. In most cases, I listen to East Coast radio, Kaya FM, YFM and Gagasi FM. I feel like those radio stations are helpful when it comes to unlearning some stuff, Relearning some new stuff, Rebranding, recreating and rebuilding. They always have solid content and they deliver it in a very clear manner.
Siphesihle Mdlalose. Photo: Supplied
What has working on radio has taught you?
It has taught me how to be a great conversationalist! Radio allows me to practice my right and responsibility to freedom of speech. I get to speak my mind freely and in a very mature manner. Radio taught me the importance of self awareness, self acceptance and self accountability. I get to be myself unapologetically! Everytime.
It taught me how to be strong, because at times as a radio personality you might get extremely bad news a few minutes before your show starts, You have to keep it together no matter how heavy your heart is, no matter how much pain you’re feeling. It’s your duty to be strong. Radio is so therapeutic, it can literally be the only thing that makes sense in my life.
What advice can you give to aspiring radio broadcasters?
As radio personality, originality is your superpower! Love, accept and appreciate your personality because that’s exactly what your audience will love you for. Have a teachable spirit coz the only way you can grow is if you learn. Take criticism and improve. Lastly, invest in your side hustle, radio is a platform that you can use to make money, so invest in your side hustle. I guess that’s it man. Thank you.
