Local radio station founder pushes against all odds
Rabie Ridge-based Xobololo told Tembisan his radio station depends solely on his monthly salary and rent is the biggest problem he always faces.
Financial support is always a problem for most young black people in our society who are enthusiastic to venture into small businesses.
The reality is that financial constraints become a worry to them and they eventually refrain from pursuing their dreams.
Nonetheless, not everybody would just give up their dreams. Some take a risk and do whatever they have to reach their goals.
In this case, the Tembisan had an interview with hip-hop fan and entrepreneur Liza Xobololo, the founder of an online hip-hop radio station, KoppollaC.co.za. Xobololo is faced with the challenge to sustain his business.
Rabie Ridge-based Xobololo told Tembisan his radio station depends solely on his monthly salary and rent is the biggest problem he always faces.
He said internet cuts occur that causes glitches as they are operating in the township where there is no fibre. He is still pushing hard to run the radio station against all odds.
“We go through the power cuts and cable theft problems, that is life in the township,” said Xobololo.
When asked how he markets and maintains listenership, Xobololo said the station is mainly marketed on Twitter and it is growing every day as Twitter has everyday conversations with fast-changing topics.
“That is getting the word out there for us in a huge way, it’s unbelievable. We are also on Facebook but it is not as big as on Twitter,” he added. When further asked how they are dealing with financial burdens, he said they are sending out business proposals to companies all over the country, asking for assistance so they can get a place with backup and stable electricity.
“We are desperately in need of a place that has fibre lines so we never have to face glitches again. My biggest dream for the station is to have a major network in the country offering the radio for free to its users. I see us being the number one hip-hop radio station and media house in Africa helping to realise and shape the talents of our continent and exporting it to the world,” said Xobololo.
When asked what inspired him to start a business, he said he looked up to Patrice Motsepe.
“The guy is a hard worker and risk-taker. He is doing a whole lot to advise young entrepreneurs,” added Xobololo.
Xobololo holds a BTech Management degree he obtained from the Walter Sisulu University. His radio station is based at Ivory Park Extension Two public offices. As a huge television fanatic that exposed himself to a lot in the entertainment industry, Xobololo had always wanted to see himself reaching out to the community through media.
“I have always been a hip-hop fan, since doing Grade Nine in Cape Town. Unfortunately, I couldn’t rap, trap or sing so I was always among hip-hop debates. That grew in me and made me realise there is more in the culture than being in the front and limelight. As time went on, I realised South African hip-hop has no platform of its own, where the unsigned and unknown talents can be exposed. I realised a radio station would be a great platform for debaters (like me), rappers, DJs, producers and many more who fall under the umbrella of hip-hop,” explained Xobololo.
He said they currently reach more than 500 listeners a month since they have just started. Xobololo’s advice to young entrepreneurs: “Don’t sell your dream. As painful as it is, make sure you take a step forward from yesterday. You must jump in and get hurt in the process, scream while doing it. It is better than not starting at all,” said Xobololo.
Call Xobololo on 060 848 5442.
