#MyRadioPeople : River FM’s Skye Mkhonza
Skye Mkhonza is a South African 19 year old, born entertainer and an aspiring radio dj from the dusty streets of Evaton. The self-proclaimed “WhatsApp Celebrity” is, however, not only about the entertainment industry. He is a 2nd year Political Science student at the North-West University Vaal Triangle Campus and revealed that he had never thought he would be such a fan of politics but coming into varsity and being enrolled into that course by default could have been a blessing in disguise.
Known to the masses for his witty nature, it is no surprise that he starred on SABC 1’s Takalani Sesame in his childhood days for a good 2 years and worked as a newsreader for another radio station. He says he loves fashion but does not consider himself fashionable. With over 5000 followers on Facebook and over 1300 followers on Instagram, it would make sense to say he is a ball of greatness in the making.
Skye hosts “The Cnr Street Junction” on Mondays and Wednesdays from 15:00 – 18:00 pm on River FM 87.6.
Why radio? On the 31st of December 2014, I made a promise to myself… The promise was to do something about my overwhelming passion for radio and the media space in general. Ever since growing up I’ve dreamt about being a radio dj/presenter but there was a certain period in my life when I had this stereotypical mindset that because I’m from the Vaal Triangle, my chances of making my dreams a reality were limited.
I have always had abundant and unconditional love for radio… the fact that people develop some sort of connection with a person they don’t see. That to me scream REAL !
Which other radio stations have you worked at? I worked at a radio station in the Vaal called Lekoa FM, as a news reader in my matric year.
Did you study radio? None of the above! My parents could not afford the fees at Boston Media House and I did not get the MoFlava Bursary. I did, however come to the North-West University with the intention to study towards a Communications degree but found myself in Politics.
Besides Radio, which other side projects are you currently busy with or are involved in? I’m about to sound like such a busy person!!! Well… besides being a full-time student, I work nightshift at Emerald Resort and Casino as a Promotion Jockey, I have column in an online magazine (Five 75) by Bluetick Mindset, I just recently started a YouTube Channel and I do a bit of charity work here and there.
Who is your South African Radio Icon? Wow! This is a difficult one. There is a lot but from the top of my head: Kate-Lynn Pulane Motloung, Tbo Touch, Anele Mdoda and Khutso Theledi
What can we expect from you in the next 5 years? I am not the type that plans life. But 5 years from now I would like to have progressed to an unbelievable level
How often do you listen to other radio stations and which radio stations do you usually listen to? Whoa! Every chance I get hey. I switch between campus radio stations, TouchHD Online, Yfm and 94.7
What has working on radio taught you? Working on radio has taught me quite a bit about discipline, effort and commitment. Accepting failure and using it it as a stepping stone towards greatness is also one of the lessons I’ve learnt since I’ve been on radio.
What advice can you give to aspiring radio broadcasters? Be yourself and remember that growth is a natural process!
GQOM MUSIC CONFERENCE 2018 “Redefining The New Revolution”
Finest Inc. Director Mbusi Sokhela popularly known as DJ Sox and Mthokozisi Khathi (DJ Tira), the founding Director of Afrotainment, have once again merged both their companies, joining forces to add value and to provide guidance in the form of a music conference that will focus on the skills development of the youth led music genre known as Gqom.
The legendary Durban’s Finest duo will utilize their experience and resources to shape this informal, fast emerging genre by exposing its custodians, the youth to the dynamic music business through this first of its kind Gqom Music Conference scheduled to take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium (Mixed Zone) venue on April 18 and 19, 2018.
The Gqom Music Conference’s primary goal is to equip Gqom producers and musicians with pivotal knowledge on to how to monetize on the authentically South African genre, which has taken the global centre stage in dance music.
Speakers at the Gqom Music Conference include Durban’s Finest; Gqom originators Rude Boys, Distruction Boyz and DJ Lag; producers and label owners Oskido and Zakes Bantwini; key stakeholders SAMRO, CREATIVE ARTS, COPA and KZN Arts & Culture.
The Gqom Music Conference is expected to attract more than 300 delegates a day for the two days it’s scheduled to take place.
The Gqom Music Conference will include important topics such as the following:
Producing, Music in the Digital Age, Digital Distribution, Artist Development, Media and Entertainment, Festivals, Live Events and Performances, Extending Your Music to Continental and/or International platforms
Delegates at the Gqom Music Conference will get a chance of having their music listened to randomly within the breakaway sessions and get critiqued by professionals who are active in the industry. The conference won’t fall short of well-travelled speakers who’ll share empowering information about music trends on the local and global scale.
Khathu Litshani Launches A New Clothing Line
Khathu Litshani is proud to announce the launch of his clothing line – Njandin. The clothing line is aimed at bringing a fresh and exciting feel to the fashion industry, with its unique selection of clothes for both men and women. The brands’ authenticity is shown in every item as it effectively helps fashion lovers express themselves freely. The South African-based brand is available for purchase via e-mail or phone calls.
Njandin will change the industry by bringing a whole new feel to everyday fashion by bringing comfort, versatility and uniqueness to fashion lovers. The fashion industry is dynamic with several brands coming in and having to create a niche for themselves so that they can stand out from their competitors.
Khathu uses the word Njandin in his comedy – on and off stage. This is a word that most people frown upon but Khathu decided to take it and turn it something cool and relatable for the masses. People associate the word with Khathu because he made it trendy and this is why he decided to use it. The brand currently supplies caps, t-shirts and golf shirts but will soon be releasing a winter range. Khathu says that he doesn’t want to limit Njandin to clothing, he will also be branching out into other things such as accessories.
Njandin caters to everyone regardless of their gender or affordability. People have been responding very well to the brand because of its creativity, affordability and innovation. Khathu is a name that a lot of people are familiar with so it’s easy for them to relate with anything that he does.
“As with everything I do, Njandin came naturally to me. It is a part of who I am and plays a role in my everyday life. This is an exciting journey and I can assure everyone that Njandin has a lot of exciting in store for them,” says Khathu.
Dudu Khoza’s Birthday Celebration
For most people, birthdays are about receiving gifts and spoils from their loved ones, however, for the much-loved Ukhozi FM radio presenter, Dudu Khoza, it was the opposite. Lady D, as she is affectionately known by her legion of fans, chose to collaborate with White Star Super Maize Meal and some of SA’s biggest celebs to give back to the community of Kwa-Mashu in KwaZulu-Natal with a campaign called ‘Lady D Birthday Drive’.
She celebrated her birthday over two days this past weekend, starting off with a fun-filled Saturday morning of festivities which catered for 120 orphaned children of Kwa-Mashu. The Kwa-Mashu Fan Park was filled with gleaming faces and laughter of excited children as they were entertained with rides, Nal’ibali live storytelling, face painting and great performances by the likes of DJ Tira, Donald and Naimakay. The children were also gifted with backpacks, consisting of stationery supplies and the flavoursome White Star Instant Porridge. As White Star Marketing Manager, Mokhele Makhothi, notes, “fuller tummies make for better learning, and we are so proud to partner with Dudu on this wonderful and selfless initiative.”
She dedicated Sunday to hosting an uplifting church service which featured a gospel showcase by Dumi Mkokstad and the Abathandwa Musical Group. A pop-up shop was also set-up at UCCSA church in Kwa-Mashu K Section where the homeless and Kwa-Mashu locals who were in desperate need of clothing were able to receive a dignified shopping experience without having to pay for the garments that they chose. These garments were received as donations from Dudu and her celebrity friends.
“Every year, without fail, I am drowning in much appreciated gifts and surprise birthdays across the country. One day I thought ‘enough about me, what about those that have absolutely nothing?’ The Lady D Birthday Drive is not just a celebration, but it is about changing people’s lives. Celebrating my birthday with those less fortunate has given me such a sense of fulfilment. It beats any gift a person could buy me,” concludes Dudu Khoza.
