Radiobiz

Ukhozi FM terminates contract of Mr. Vukani ‘Chilli M’ Masinga

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has terminated with immediate effect, the contract of Mr Vukani ‘Chilli M’ Masinga’.

Mr Masinga joined Ukhozi FM in 2012 and was co-hosting the station’s weekday midday show, “Nethezeka NoKhozi”. The termination follows an investigation into allegations of payola. Mr Masinga admitted to accepting some form of enticement in exchange for playlisting music of the people who enticed him.

The corporation has also taken a decision to institute a criminal case against all parties who were involved.

The SABC would like to remind the public that there is a process at all its 18 radio stations to submit music and would like to encourage members of the public not to engage in payola and should they encounter such challenges to bring it to the attention of the organization.

The organization will continue to have a zero tolerance for fraud and corruption.

Ukhozi FM will present the station’s 55th birthday, taking place at Pietermaritzburg Royal Show Grounds on the 13th of June 2015, and featuring performances from Mzansi’s finest artists from across genres, Ukhozi FM presenters and Ukhozi FM top Dj’s, showcases by SABC 1 stars from our favourite Drama and soapies.

Source: UKhozi FM

The station is proud to bring Ukhozi FM 55th birthday unaccompanied for the first time, in the 14th year in a row; this event will be characterized by spectacular appearances from Ukhozi FM radio drama stars and SABC news presenters/announcers. This year’s birthday celebration will take the nation by storm as it will feature surprise performances by surprise artists.

The event will start at 9am till 6pm; at R100 per tickets available at computicket. Ukhozi FM 55th Birthday is a great milestone for the station as we aim to further enhance the listener experience by means of quality broadcasting, through the station’s knowledgeable presenters and informed content.

The biggest radio station in Africa, celebrate 55 years ahead of the much anticipated growth as it switches on six more transmitters for broader accessibility. For the first time this year the station will be broadcasting in places such as Kroonstad, George, Dulltsroom and East London just to name a few.

As part of the celebrations Ukhozi FM will also visit other places in an outside of the province of KwaZulu- Natal. This is responding to the call from the listeners that always called to say they also would like to be part of the celebrations of their beloved Radio Station. Among the activities Ukhozi FM will host musical related activities, play football and netball against various stakeholder teams and partner in events that want to celebrate with Ukhozi FM and are prepared to give a platform for Ukhozi FM to shine.

[Issued by :Ukhozi FM Marketing]

It is that time of the year when SAARF releases the latest RAMS and while many trends since the last release have remained unchanged, there are some slight changes in pattern audience behaviour.  Overall time spent listening to radio has remained unchanged, time spent listening to radio in large urban areas continues to decrease. The opposite is true for many community radio stations around the country.

There have been some significant increases in listenership statistics from community radio stations such as Franshoek 87.6 FM in the Western Cape from 0.2% in August to 0.4% in October. In the Northern Cape more than one station has managed to show significant growth in listenership numbers, Bosveld Stereo listenership jumped from 0.6% in August to 1.7% in October, Moretele Community Radio 106.1FM jumped from 3.0 to 4.7 and Radio Mafisa went from 4.7% to 7.5%. The total increase in community radio listenership in the Northern Cape shifted from 34.3% to 40.1%.  This pattern of increase in listenership is also prevalent in the Free State with a total jump from 36.2% to 36.4%. Limpopo community radio listenership exhibited a different trend with a significant drop from 23.2% to 19.1. Ukhozi FM still leads as an audience favourite, sitting at 51.1%, followed by Umhlobo Wenene FM at 10.1%. Lisedi FM is third with 6.1% of audiences listing it as a favourite.

To see the complete presentation, go to: www.SAARF.co.za

By Thato Mokhou

Renowned artists in the gospel music fraternity set the stage ablaze at the Ukhozi Gospel Music Festival held at the Coca Cola Park (Ellis Park) on Saturday, 4 August.  Acts such as Rebecca Malope, Sechaba, Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Lundi and Sipho Makhabane thrilled the crowd as they belted out their most loved songs.

It was clear that the Zulu radio station has a massive following as people poured in to experience this impressive musical extravaganza.  By  10 am stadium was roaring with joyous songs of worship and praise coaxing the crowd into a dance frenzy.

Source: UKhozi FM Facebook page

Ukhozi’s Linda Sibiya graced the stage to add to the entertainment.  The DJ is famously known for his powerful and motivational breakfast show.

Ukhozi FM’s Linda Sibiya interacting with the crowd.

The overarching message of the festival was “Worship God Together”. This resonated throughout Coca Cola Park as performances by Rebecca Malope reached out to the hearts and souls of those who had gathered before God.  A choir of fans sang along in unison.

Gospel multi-award winner Rebecca Malope 

The festival is the brainchild of EMI Live and BIG FISH Productions who collaborated with Vodacom and SABC as official sponsors.  Proceeds were donated to the Arnie Williams Foundation for Abused Women and Children.   Ukhozi has surely increased its following by bringing the most loved artists to the public. It is an initiative which prompts society to work together in building relationships and reviving hope in the lives that are in need.   The organisers are set to make the show an annual event.

As people enjoyed stellar performances, they also celebrated their faith till the sun set at 7pm.

Is gospel music a method used to bring people together? Should other radio stations get involved with such music festivals to boost social presence and promote social cohesion? Share your views.

Visit our Facebook page for more photos.