The first week of broadcasting in the new radio season is almost done and dusted.
Announcements of big shifts across stations went off last week and while some people found new radio homes, others moved up the radio ladder and a few took a bow out of the radio space.
Ikwekwezi FM’s Bongani ‘Gusheshe’ Mahlangu was moved from a night slot back to a daytime slot.
One would say he had big shoes to fill but Bongani says he actually had “running shoes” to fill.
On his first day behind the mic this week, it was “exciting, nerve-racking. It was like my first day on radio, simply because I was not sure of the reaction from listeners and how will one be welcomed on this new show but by the end of the first 30 minutes, I knew I was home, I knew I’m where I’m supposed to be. The response was overwhelming! It was positive to say the least.”
Overall, the first week back on daytime radio has reignited his love for radio.
“This show allows one to touch on every aspect of life in a lighthearted and fun way, something I’ve always wanted to do as I am a huge fan of music and talk radio,” he tells Drum.
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Taking the reins, Bongani not only renamed the show to ‘Emthonjeni’ which means the well of life, but he also switched up the sound of the 9am – 12pm slot.
“Firstly, we changed the music that was playing on the show, to cater for all age group, if you are a radio head and love music there is a song that we are going to play, and you are going to love it.
“We also brought content that appeals to everyone, we are having serious conversations on a lighter note, and we are also listener driven, so our content speaks to our listeners, we are on a ‘let’s talk about it’ vibe, it’s normal conversations you would have with those close to you but now on a national radio platform,” says the multi radio award nominee.
He adds that the goal is to bring an upbeat, fast-paced delivery with a fuse of entertainment and knowledge-packed content.
Bongani’s journey with the station started a decade ago and he has since hosted three shows across the line-up.
“The station was looking for new presenters back in 2013. I sent my application just like everyone and was shortlisted to come audition in person. [I] guess I impressed the management then with my raw talent and I bagged the job. I hosted the station’s afternoon drive for almost seven years and left to do the [night] show due to other commitments but now I’m back on daytime radio.”
Breaking bounds at the station is nothing new for the 30-year-old radio presenter though as he became the youngest male to host an afternoon drive show and bag a SA radio award nomination amongst what he calls “industry heavyweights”.
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What many may not know though is that being at the station is a full circle moment, for the presenter who is also an accountant.
“I’ve always loved radio. I will have to give credit to my late dad for instilling this love for radio in me. Dude listened to iKwekwezi every day, every hour, I mean 24/7. I was like to myself ‘I want my dad to listen to me also one day’. That’s where my love for radio actually began. I’ve always been a good public speaker and I’ve always wanted people to listen to what I say. I fused that with my love for radio and it turned out to be magic!
“Everyone who grew up with me and knows me would tell you I’ve always said I will be that accountant on radio.”
More than anything, the Ndebele radio station broadcasting to Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo is like home for him.
“No other station made sense to me besides it. It speaks to the core of me. The core of who I am and where I am. A station that’s grown and evolved that’s also not afraid to take risk. A station I really relate to and it’s close to my heart.”
Kicking more doors open in the radio space and building the Gusheshe brand are the two remaining agendas on his cards as he also hopes to win a radio award in the near future.
