Interview with Masechaba: The Drive
METRO FM: So, Masechaba, let’s just assume that I know nothing about you, okay? I’d like to go from the top. I mean, I know that you’re here. you obviously have a big personality and a big fan following, etc. I mean, where did you start? Where did it all kick-off?
Masechaba: Well my radio career began about four years ago and prior to that I basically came from television where I’ve basically been building my brand, basically ten years before and I was completely new to radio. I had never done radio before, but in my first year on radio my show won “Best Night Time Radio Show” at the MTN Awards. And that’s in the country. We, at my former station, we weren’t even national, but we beat a lot of national platforms. I mention names. I won’t name and shame, but yeah, that was pretty awesome.
METRO FM: Was that in the first year?
Masechaba: Yeah, that was all in the first year and to this day it’s still the only award winning show at that station. Yeah, I had to throw that in there. Combination of hard work, of passion, of authenticity and really, that show was my brain child. That show was my baby.
METRO FM: Wow, proper passion project. And how long did that run for, you say?
Masechaba: Almost about four years. We are in our third and a half year now.
METRO FM: So, how was it like leaving that?
Masechaba: Leaving was tough. Leaving was necessary – for my growth – and also for the next phase of my journey because I’ve always believed that the type of substance that we were bringing to the radio deserves a national platform. You know, I don’t believe that you save the meaningful stuff for the little corners. I personally believe that there’s room, especially in the South African media landscape, for a show that is just as fun as it is enlightening.
METRO FM: Got you. That’s pretty cool. What is the main difference of environment of radio and sort of the TV environment, apart from the obvious – that the one is visual, the one is audio?
Masechaba: [Laughs] I wasn’t gonna do that to you. Like duh!
METRO FM: Yeah, but I mean in terms, of sort, of production and impact with fans. I mean, does one require more work than the other? I mean, the entire production process, its far more intricate I’d imagine on TV?
Masechaba: To be honest, I think the more brutal way to put it, actually it’s the first time I’ve thought of this analogy, is television is like you being dressed and radio leaves you naked.
METRO FM: Okay. So, more spontaneous radio, right?
Masechaba: More spontaneous. There’s more of a connection purely because, not that its less structured, but there’s less room to present. There’s is no room to present actually. It leaves you to speak to people from at a human level. And that’s why some of my favourite radio hosts are people who speak the way they do in real life on radio. I’m not gonna make an example of the ones I don’t like because I might just get into trouble [laughs]
METRO FM: Got you, alright. Well then just to get into current then… how does it feel to be at Metro? The new show – how do you feel it started? Do you feel there’s still more spit-and-shine to go? Like more optimization, etc.?
Masechaba: Well, Metro FM is literally a dream come true. It’s the only station really, outside all the other stations that really speaks to me as an urban black woman who is constantly striving to better myself, to make progress, to move on to the next thing. Because, hey now, what’s next is all that matters. But, on the real though, the reason why I’m enjoying myself here is because I’m the type of person that thrives on challenges and this is a completely different environment. It’s a different format altogether and I’m back to being a student. Which keeps me awake. It keeps my mind alive but, also because I need to figure out how the hell I’m to squeeze in as much substance as possible on a fast-paced platform like The Drive, right, and still keep people entertained and laughing and upbeat and uplifted. I definitely feel that there’s a lot more to be done and in partnership with MoFlava I believe we can do really amazing things.
METRO FM: Well, I was gonna ask what’s in store for the fans there, but I think you’ve kind of answered it.
Masechaba: Yeah, I’m hoping to squeeze more human interest into the show. I’m hoping to talk a lot more to entrepreneurs. I’m hoping to bring in more inspirational content. Really just to talk to young people who are moving and shaking in business, in whatever sector. Even in their own little corners in their communities, you know? Those are the type of stories that build and inspire others to continue building cause the more light we shine on the positive, the more light we bread.
METRO FM: That is an epic response. Thank you very much Masechaba.
