Monwabisi “DJ Gudla’Batshakazi” Mbangi has vowed to keep winning awards for Umhlobo Wenene radio station.
Mbangi was announced the station’s replacement for the late Saba Mbixane at the weekend.
“Firstly, my my aim is to keep the Satma awards at Umhlobo Wenene ,” he said speaking to the Daily Dispatch. “Two, to increase airplay for local content because our local artists are suffering and need to be promoted.”
Mbangi thanked Unitra Community Radio (UCR FM) for grooming him over the past 10 years.
“One should never forget where they come from to know where they are going to,” he said, adding Mbixane had left behind “big boots” and it was going to take all his energy to fill them while still staying original.
“I’m ready for the days ahead. I have worked with Saba before and that will help me a lot,” he said.
When away from the studio, Mbangi said he could be found rehearsing with traditional music acts Amagqiyazana and Vala Traditional dance teams or fixing his equipment.
Mbangi is no stranger to traditional music circles and brings with him a wealth of experience from the past 10 years where he occupied a similar slot on UCR FM.
He has scores of listeners, many of whom have said he was the obvious choice to replace the popular Mbixane who died in a motorcycle accident earlier this year.
In 2008, Mbangi was announced the winner of the South African Traditional Music Awards for the best community radio DJ and received nominations in 2011 and last year.
Mbangi matriculated from Mabalengwe Senior Secondary School in 1994 and also graduated from a few short courses in sound and electrical engineering.
The married father of three, who lives just outside Mthatha, said he was humbled by his victory and thanked all those who supported his campaign. “When you look at the figures, they show that listeners have confidence and trust. I am very humbled,” he said.
Umhlobo Wenene FM listeners had their say on who should replace Mbixane and overwhelmingly voted for Mbangi.
He will anchor the popular traditional music shows Lavuthi’Bhayi and Siweli’thukela.
Mbangi received almost double the number of votes garnered by his closest contender – 139294 to 59000 garnered by UCR FM DJ Sindile Majikija.
Lumkile Ngcongo from Alfred Nzo Community Radio came third with 10000 votes.
Gudla’s campaign was boosted by the efforts of health spokesman and former radio journalist Sizwe Kupelo. Kupelo said there had been a positive response after they started branding taxis and encouraging die-hard listeners to buy stickers in support of Gudla’s campaign.
“We went all out and people responded positively, especially the taxi industry.”
Kupelo reassured listeners and station management that Gudla was the right choice.
The announcement, made during a live broadcast in Mt Frere on Saturday afternoon, followed weeks of on-air presentations by six contenders for the top post. — loyisom@dispatch.co.za
New DJ to keep flag flying high
Mbangi was announced the station’s replacement for the late Saba Mbixane at the weekend.
“Firstly, my my aim is to keep the Satma awards at Umhlobo Wenene ,” he said speaking to the Daily Dispatch. “Two, to increase airplay for local content because our local artists are suffering and need to be promoted.”
Mbangi thanked Unitra Community Radio (UCR FM) for grooming him over the past 10 years.
“One should never forget where they come from to know where they are going to,” he said, adding Mbixane had left behind “big boots” and it was going to take all his energy to fill them while still staying original.
“I’m ready for the days ahead. I have worked with Saba before and that will help me a lot,” he said.
When away from the studio, Mbangi said he could be found rehearsing with traditional music acts Amagqiyazana and Vala Traditional dance teams or fixing his equipment.
Mbangi is no stranger to traditional music circles and brings with him a wealth of experience from the past 10 years where he occupied a similar slot on UCR FM.
He has scores of listeners, many of whom have said he was the obvious choice to replace the popular Mbixane who died in a motorcycle accident earlier this year.
In 2008, Mbangi was announced the winner of the South African Traditional Music Awards for the best community radio DJ and received nominations in 2011 and last year.
Mbangi matriculated from Mabalengwe Senior Secondary School in 1994 and also graduated from a few short courses in sound and electrical engineering.
The married father of three, who lives just outside Mthatha, said he was humbled by his victory and thanked all those who supported his campaign. “When you look at the figures, they show that listeners have confidence and trust. I am very humbled,” he said.
Umhlobo Wenene FM listeners had their say on who should replace Mbixane and overwhelmingly voted for Mbangi.
He will anchor the popular traditional music shows Lavuthi’Bhayi and Siweli’thukela.
Mbangi received almost double the number of votes garnered by his closest contender – 139294 to 59000 garnered by UCR FM DJ Sindile Majikija.
Lumkile Ngcongo from Alfred Nzo Community Radio came third with 10000 votes.
Gudla’s campaign was boosted by the efforts of health spokesman and former radio journalist Sizwe Kupelo. Kupelo said there had been a positive response after they started branding taxis and encouraging die-hard listeners to buy stickers in support of Gudla’s campaign.
“We went all out and people responded positively, especially the taxi industry.”
Kupelo reassured listeners and station management that Gudla was the right choice.
The announcement, made during a live broadcast in Mt Frere on Saturday afternoon, followed weeks of on-air presentations by six contenders for the top post. — loyisom@dispatch.co.za
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