Loyal listeners of community radio station Musina FM were thrilled to hear the voice of their darling presenter, Tokolo Freedom Boikanyo, on the airwaves again after he had taken a seven-year break from the industry.
Musina FM had to close for four months because of various challenges, including continuous cable theft and a missing radio antenna, without which they could not broadcast. However, the station re-opened again a month ago, and listeners are delighted that Boikanyo, famously known as Mr Cheez, decided to re-join the team and revive his heydays as one of the top radio presenters ever produced in the border town.
Born and bred in Musina, Mr Cheez also triples as an events manager, businessman and master of ceremonies. Before taking a leave of absence from radio seven years ago, he presented Musina FM's popular breakfast show. This time, however, he presents the afternoon drive show, which is broadcast on weekdays between 15:00 and 18:00.
Asked why he had decided to return to radio, Boikanyo replied, "Radio is my first love. I had severe withdrawal pangs from it that kept on haunting me day and night. There is nothing that makes my heart happier than to sit behind the microphone and do what I love and enjoy best. Besides, the fans begged me to come back. How could I refuse?"
Boikanyo shared some of the secrets of his success behind the microphone. "I make sure that I am fully prepared every day before I go into the studio. With the help of my producer, we do research on local topics and incidents that are making headlines and include them in the programme. People enjoy local news that is happening directly around them. They relate to it. Another important thing is to make listeners part of the show by allowing them to call in and air their views through various social-media platforms."
Musina FM's station manager, Justice Langa, said they were happy to have Boikanyo back. "He is an experienced presenter. His presence will help grow our radio station because he has many followers. He is also a good role model and can therefore help us groom young and upcoming presenters."