How did you get involved in the music/radio industry?
For me, radio is all about the music. I came from an arts school, so when I went to study at the University of Pretoria I enrolled in a BA in Psychology and Criminology, but I needed something to balance the artsy side of me while on campus. So, I decided to join Tuks FM. Having never done radio before, I thought the only way into the entertainment industry was through TV and theatre. I got to Tuks FM and I fell in love with the station; they were playing so much music that I was never exposed to before. I enjoyed every moment of it. Two years later I got a call from the programming manager at YFM, he said I should come and try some of their shows. I got to YFM and worked my way up and then two years later I got a call from Ravi from 947 and the rest is history.
What is the best thing about being on radio?
The music. I love listening to music. I listen to a lot of commercial music when I’m at work and then when I’m at home I listen to a lot of hip Hop, because I’m also a hip hop DJ.
Who do you look up to in the industry and why?
I look up to Anele. She is a fine example of what can be achieved. She started her journey, like mine, at Tuks FM. I admire her, not only because she is a presenter, but because she has so many facets to her career.
What is the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you on air?
It was Heritage Day and I asked listeners to send me voice notes to say common phrases in their language. One listener sent something so offensive, but I didn’t know and read it out on air. It was so embarrassing for me because I strive to be professional and I knew that was not supposed to happen, but it did.
You’re on air from 10am to 1pm, then what? What does the rest of your day look like?
There are a lot of things we do outside the office after our shows. I’m a hip hop DJ, voice-over artist and an MC.
What is the one thing no one knows about Ayanda MVP that we really need to know?
There’s nothing, nothing at all. I am an open book right now!
Any crazy listener/fan stories?
The thing with radio is you need to know what the audience will care about and what they won’t care about. On this time slot the biggest thing is making sure you entertain the listener with more music and less talk. I haven’t had any crazy stories yet on 947.
