He has been on radio for 20 years. Sibusiso “DJ Sbu” Leope (43) created his brand as a hustler, radio personality, businessman, and motivational speaker.
He is the executive chairman of Leadership 2020, a company that inspires young entrepreneurs. He owns beverage brand MoFaya and digital radio station Massiv Metro. A jack of all trades, who seems to have mastered it all.
The Tembisa born entertainer says it’s time to switch off the mic and leave the radio presenting career to the youngsters. DJ Sbu recently announced his departure from radio as a presenter to focus on nurturing talent behind the scenes and going back to making hits.
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He has opened Homegrown Radio, another digital radio station aimed at empowering unknown talent.
“People are always asking for the entertainment industry to open up and to stop continuously using the same people and that is the vision for Homegrown,” he says.
“The station will hire and train people who are not famous, who don’t have thousands of social media followers but have the passion and drive for radio. We take them and train them, nurture their talent, and put them on air to be the best they can be,” he adds.
In his time away from radio, DJ Sbu will also focus on making more music. He recently released a 10-track album Home Coming – The African Odyssey featuring artists from across the African continent.
“Hopefully we will get to tour the African continent, promoting the album. But I am glad to be handing over to the next group of young people to make a change,” he says.
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DJ Sbu has had memorable moments making radio history and equally controversial moments that have made headlines. “The good and bad is part of being in the limelight,” he says.
“I’ve made my mistakes, but I’ve changed more lives than mistakes. Every day is about being a better version of yourself,” he says.
He recalls his early years on radio as a young, fearless DJ Sbu.
“Man, I’ve had some beautiful moments on the radio. I’ve interviewed leaders, criminals, game-changers, and all sorts of people,” he says.
“One of the most memorable moments was when I did the afternoon drive on YFM and we received a call from a man who had held the staff at home affairs hostage,” he says.
“He phoned the show and demanded to be put on the air. He held the staff hostage with a toy gun because he was struggling to get his identity document which led to him being unemployed. I had to play a negotiator and speak to him to convince him not to harm anyone.”
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“I would love to be a part of nurturing another Sibusiso,” he says.
“I’m going to miss being able to change people’s lives using the microphone. The parties were fun, but for me radio was about teaching people, making a difference in someone’s life.
"Challenging the powers that be, calling the government out to do better, and speaking the truth. I managed to create business opportunities for myself, as opposed to just having fun,” he adds.
