We chat to Qhama Nyamza, aka MoreGaLWePhondo, about her journey as a community radio presenter.
Q: How and when did your journey as a radio presenter start?
A: From a very young age, I knew I wanted to be on radio. I would say that KayCee August is one radio presenter who really influenced me and was my role model on radio. I used to listen to his show, The Afternoon Drive on Umhlobo Wenene FM. Every time I came home from school, I would listen to him.
Q: What skills or experience does one need to be able to do what you do?
A: The most important skill that one needs to have to be in radio is the passion to be a community leader because you are the one who informs the community about what’s happening in their surrounding areas, you educate them, so you need to have passion. Sometimes you must first volunteer at a community radio station to learn about radio and pace the way for yourself to work at the big commercial radio stations.
Q: What is it about your job that you love so much?
A: I don’t see it as a job, I see it as me being a leader helping the community and helping people that are less fortunate. I am able to advocate for people of the LGBTQ+ community of which I also belong.
Q: What kind of impact do you hope to make on your people when they listen to you on radio?
A: The impact I would love to see is when listeners come back to the show and share their testimonies of how they had given up but through listening to my show, The Breakfast Delight on Kumkani FM, they have gained home. On my show, there’s a segment where I get to speak to a listener and share words of wisdom with them, I read scripture with them or I share a personal experience with them. I want listeners to know that my show is a safe place, we can jam together and we can grow together.
Q: Where do you find your inspiration for the various topics you cover on your show?
A: My mother is my biggest inspiration. I also feel inspired by what happens around me, whether it’s a story I read in the paper. I also share a lot of my own personal journeys.
Q: Are there any challenges that you have encountered in your line of work, and how do you overcome them?
A: There are many challenges. I was once told that I’m ‘not enough’, that I know nothing about radio but the very same person who said those things came back two years later and told me they are impressed with the work that I do and that I’m doing great.
Q: Who would you say is your target market?
A: Everyone is my target market. Old, young, members of the LGBTQ+ community, everyone in the community is my target market.
Q: What are some of the goals or future plans that you have for your career?
A: My biggest dream is to use the platform to give back to my community by helping those who are less fortunate. I believe charity begins at home and I wish to register my foundation and be on the ground helping people. I would also like to relocate to Johannesburg (in future) to try to build my career there.
Q: What advice do you have for someone who is also interested in starting a career in radio?
A: Don’t be afraid and keep going. Knock on the community radio stations’ doors and volunteer so that you can gain experience and get training. Please do see yourself in a bigger picture. It will happen in your own time, don’t race with anyone.
Q: You have been nominated for a Mzansi Arts and Media award. Please tell us more about this and how our readers can support you.
A: I have been nominated in the Mzansi Arts and Media awards for best radio presenter. This means a lot because it will tell the child from the rural areas that dreams are doable, your dreams are valid. Voting has closed so, now, we wait for the outcome.
Q: Where can our readers find you? (contact details/social media)
A: I am Qhama Nyamza on all social media platforms.
