A young, energetic radio presenter is quickly making a name for himself in the industry.
Tshaulu-born Siyabonga Freedom Mthembu, better known as Siyah De Big Daddy, hosts the R523 Breakfast Show on Nzhelele FM.
The 36-year-old already commands a large audience, and his programme is growing in popularity. The show airs Monday to Friday from 06:00 to 09:00.
"Here we engage and warm the audience with motivational talks. We also highlight those in the arts, giving them a platform to showcase their talent through interviews. We give entrepreneurs a chance to talk about their businesses as a way of empowering them," he said.
Judging by listener feedback, he said the show was achieving its objectives of informing and inspiring the audience. "I am determined to take my career to a higher level and see myself at one of the country's top radio stations, especially Radio 2000," he said.
Mthembu traced his love for radio back to his childhood. "As a young boy, I grew up listening to radio at home. I was fascinated by my favourite presenters on Phalaphala FM. I told myself I would one day be like them," he said.
His big break came in 2017, when he was accepted at Kingdom FM to host a programme called Kay Drive. "In 2022, I had a stint at Vuwani FM before landing this breakfast show at Nzhelele FM later that year," Mthembu said.