Ikasi online is a whole new phenomenon in broadcast
by Linda Ximba
The South African radio landscape is set for major shift anytime soon, what with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIR) phenomenon literally taking over our lives.
Already there’s a decline in newspaper sales, with news consumers finding the latest happenings at the tip of their fingers. And the Covid-19 has hit hard the print media to the point that even the esteemed media houses were forced to close shop. With FIR upon our horizon, some witty business-minded people have already started in earnest to align themselves with the latest trends.
Nkosinathi Mdunge is one shrewd businessman who has established Eita Radio, an online radio station based in KwaMashu Mdunge, a journeyed broadcaster at various community radio stations in KwaZulu-Natal, describes the newly-launched radio as urban, vibrant and will be a breath of fresh air in the radio space.
“We are thrilled to have things will get better as almost everyone will have access to data,” says Mdunge. The radio boss feels the community will make us of the opportunities to be availed by the station.
“Our content is designed to cater for the ordinary and medium audience. We want to be a solution to the problems often encountered by small businesses by bringing forward those aimed at helping out. We urge the community to engage us on matters pertaining to development, challenges and of course positive stories to share so that others can be inspired,” says Mdunge.
The radio boss feels the community will make us of the opportunies to be availed by the station. “Our content is designed to cater for the ordinary and medium audience. We want to be a solution to the problems often encountered by small businesses by bringing forward those aimed at helping out. We urge the community to engage us on matters pertaining to developments, challenges and ofcourse positive stories to share so that others can be inspired,”says Mdunge.
More local music will be prioritised over international content and talk shows will be conducted on a weekly-basis, says Mdunge.
“By playing more local music we aim to empower our artists because at some mediums they struggle to get exposure. As for the talk shows, we want to engage with our people more often than not so that they air their views freely,” he says.
The make-up of the presenters consists of those who are yet to establish their names in the media but Mdunge feels they posses ernomous talent. “These are self-driven, talented and hungry people who want to bring a new dimension to the radio space. I won’t be surprised if the big stations come knocking on our doors seeking for their signatures,” Mdunge concluded with a giggle.
Talking about the show line-ups, Mdunge says its content is derived from slang language to embrace ikasie.
“ Our morning show which airs from 7am to 10am is called the GhettoFabulous Breakfast Show is driven by Siyanda Zungu and Busi Khuse aka Bucie K. From there comes the Women’s Therapy hosted by Busi Zulu, also known as Babes weLocal Brand with Angie Msani from 10am to 12pm. There’s no way we can’t be kept abreast with the latest in the world hence we have an hour current affairs show called Ek se Let’s Talk. It is hosted by Mpume Mbanjwa from 12pm to 1pm. Ikasi Sekele with Intwana kaMdu comes in from 1pm to 3pm and Back 2 Ekasie with Londani Khuzwayo, Siyethemba “Khothiphani” Shange and Fika Khumalo, wraps up the week-day line-up. Menzi Magubane and Linda Ximba, who are seasoned sports journalists, deliver sports updates during the shows. Once we have our operations running smoothly, we will have an hour sports talk show on Mondays and Fridays then on weekends we will have a three-hour show dedicated to sports,” said Mdunge.
Eita Radio, which can be reached via socials like Facebook, Instagram, is also vocal on VBG campaigns as promos can be heard through their shows.
