Fast making its mark on the country’s radio landscape, VUMA 103FM, the commercial isiZulu inspirational lifestyle radio station, which went live to air in November last, year, has attracted a stellar line-up of exciting additional presenters to its studios.
The station based in Umhlanga Newtown in Durban, announced today (April 25) that four new presenters would be added to the schedule from May 6 complementing the current vibrant line-up. New to the airwaves are businesswoman, model, and the first South African Survivor winner Vanessa Marawa, who is joined by Idols personality and singing sensation, L’loyd Cele. Two veterans of radio, the seasoned Lucky Sefatsa and the legendary Grant Shakoane, promise to add a wealth of experience to the dynamic established team.
“As Kwazulu-Natal’s only inspirational radio station we are strengthening our current talented roster with the introduction of some exciting new voices to the radio landscape and also re-introducing some beloved and familiar names for our listeners.” explains new Programmes Manager Thando Makhunga, “With Vanessa and L’loyd we will be bringing a fresh new approach to the airwaves and we are confident that Lucky and Grant will add their veteran savvy and warm charm to the station.”
“With the introduction of these new presenters, we have had to make some alterations in our scheduling,” explains Phindi Gule, Station Manager. “We are delighted to announce that Leleti Khumalo, co-host of the Kwasa Breakfast Show, is pregnant, and she will be taking maternity leave from July. We have therefore persuaded Vanessa, to take up the challenge and join the fun and madness of the breakfast show with Felix Hlophe. We are confident that Vanessa, who has a great voice for radio and a charming warm personality, will slot in very comfortably with the morning drive team and add her appealing sense of humour to the show.”
“An amazing electric on-air chemistry has developed in the afternoon drive time show with current hosts Linda Ndimande and Ndoni Radebe.” says Gule. “We want to now channel this energy into the lunchtime slot, and Lucky Sefatsa will now host the afternoon drive show. Lucky, brings almost twenty years of radio experience to the station, and has a natural and connected rapport with his listeners.”
“I am very excited and have always wanted to venture into a new format of radio.” Says Sefatsa. “It’s the same feeling that I had when I started off in radio, and it’s a breath of fresh air.”
“The gracious and genteel Dumi B, who is currently in the afternoon slot will now host the 7pm to 10pm programme. Dumi will be joined by Leletion Mondays to Wednesdays. Leleti, who will be reshuffling her priorities in preparation for motherhood, will also be hosting her own show on Thursday evenings.”
Veteran radio legend, Grant Shakoane who captured the hearts of listeners around the country and who will be remembered for coining the catchphrases “If it’s good, it’s Grant” and “For the time of your life, and life of your time”, promises to add a compassionate ear and warmth of heart to the Sunday 12 to 3pm slot. This will be followed by the enchanting and personable star of stage and screen, L’loyd Cele from 3 to 7pm.
“I have been away from radio educating and helping to raise my grandchildren.” says Shakoane aka Mr Shibababoo Shibaboo. “I am really very excited to be coming back to the airwaves. I come to Vuma as a blank canvas that wants to be painted by inspiration.”
“We are truly excited with this new line-up and we look forward to the extra dynamics that these presenters will add to the mix and, of course to the response from our loyal and ever-increasing listenership.” says Gule.
“We have been encouraged, through the prolific interaction and engagement on our social media platforms, that we are providing the much-needed inspirational authentic isiZulu content that out listeners are wanting.” concludes Nolan Vernon, Chief Operating Officer. “We have used these initial start up months to develop our internal processes and fine-tune our programming. We believe that by introducing these extraordinary additional talent to the station, that we will be able to offer even more uplifting and inspirational radio content to the people of KZN.”
The new programme will be available on www.vumafm.co.za on May 6. Follow on Facebook VUMAFM or Twitter @VumaFM.