Hlengiwe hits the airwaves in great style

This past weekend we got to hear one of this paper’s very own products, Hlengiwe Ngomane on her new adventure with Prosper Myanga of Kasi FM(107.3). Prosper hosts a 02:00-06:00 show every Saturday.

Mbekezeli Mbuli: What is the name of your show?

Prosper Myanga: Romantic Weekend Breeze

MM: Wow, it is obvious that it’s a love-related show, can you share with me on what your show is all about?

PM: Look, this show is mainly about love, but as you would know, music is a universal language which can be used as a communication tool for sad and happy moments. So we play RnB music and pop, something that goes straight from the ears to the heart.

The focus is on the young person who is either heartbroken, in love or has lost hope in love. We always make it a point to balance our music and talk along those issues. This show is actually an extension of Prosper the brand, because I am also a DJ who is inspired by the likes of Sweetmike, hence my focus on RnB.

MM: Now, let us talk about Hlengiwe, how did she come about? Prosper?

PM: Lol… you won’t believe this. I met Hlengiwe last year at the 60’s Sunday Soul Session event. She was with Kede Mkhabela and I was with Sweetmike and we greeted, and the three of them continued chatting.

Then this year, I decided that I need to bring change and add an entertainment feature on my show, so I started thinking of ideas on what to add and who would be best suited to do that. Hlengiwe came to mind. I then looked for her on twitter, and as they say, the rest is history.

MM: Prosper, could you please briefly clarify for our readers, what exactly does Hlengiwe do on your show?

PM: Hlengiwe is our entertainment reporter. She does national and international celebrity gossip, basic entertainment reporting and industry advice. Due to her hectic travelling schedule, we decided to do the show telephonically to create consistency. She is on for 5 minutes from 05:45am every Saturday.

MM: Interesting stuff. Hlengiwe, I know you to be that formal type of person, a bit reserved at times, so how did this gig win you? I mean from being a social worker to entertainment reporting?

HN: Eyi malume, bashilo badzeshi, my revised versions though… Not even the sky is the limit. To be honest neh, the very first feeling I got was gratitude, not because I was going to be on radio, but because I was head-hunted based on the impression I made the first time we met. I knew at that moment that indeed first impressions last. After that excitement, I had to now start pondering on whether this show would be part of my brand, because you would remember that I am a brand manager, so I wouldn’t want to take up a gig that would compromise my own brand, which is the more mature, fun once in a while, hard working type.

Prosper and I started debating on how best we can align my brand to his show. He can tell you, I had a lot to say, but basically we agreed that I will do the feature but when doing the gossip, I must be allowed to educate at the same time. Those who listened to the show would have a bit of that. I reported on Jub Jub’s bail hearing, but also used his case to warn local artists of drug abuse and a bad attitude.

In short, I weigh all opportunities that come and choose the ones that I feel will work for me. I am going to reveal something I am busy with in Jozi soon, you will see the versatile being I am. There is actually a radio station that I have been in talk with in Jozi. I am more of a serious talk radio type of person, but because I am allowed to bring a bit of my personality into this, I welcomed it with both hands.

MM: That sounds like you. So what do you think K Radio saw in you?

HN: Look, lume, you would know how much of a hard worker I am. I am the type that always wants to start from scratch. I always avoid putting my academic qualifications and people I know on the front. I always want to start from the bottom, and work my way up. During our initial talks with Kasi, they wanted to know of my profile and how well I understand the industry. Some of my qualifications are not even known to them as we speak. So I can say, my travelling, my understanding of the industry and ability to integrate my array of skills helped a lot in getting this gig.

MM: So what can listeners expect from the show?

PM: Fun, entertainment, learning and very good music. I must say, Hlengs and I make a very good team and I am already looking forward to next week’s show.

HN: Lots of entertainment, but most importantly learning. I want to use this platform to impart knowledge to upcoming artists. We want to see Mpumalanga growing and see artists grow from strength to strength and be able to effectively compete nationally and even internationally. It is high time Mpumalanga produced quality entertainers. We want our very own crowd pullers.

MM: Malume, last time we spoke to you, you said you were working on a book, how is that coming along?

HN: *Rolls eyes* The book is coming along well. I must say though, writing has not been easy, but you know I’m a hustler *giggles*. I do not want to promise on a release date yet, but my plan is to have it out by March. That’s if God agrees to my plan.

MM: So do you want to share with us a little bit on what is in the book?

HN: Hehe lume. Okay just a little bit. There is one chapter that speaks to the woman who is so much focused on hustling and “making it” in business and in that process ignores her health. You would know that we all have one body, which needs to be serviced through healthy eating, hydration, exercise, sleep etc… so others become too busy and neglect those aspects, and when they have gathered their wealth, it becomes a health vs wealth struggle. But basically it is a book that will speak to women who regard themselves as hard workers and are dedicated to becoming “independent women”. In the book I highlight the fine prints of the successes of women. I use real life case studies to demonstrate some of the scenarios some women have found themselves in trying to “attain independence”. One such example is the case of a woman I know, who in return for a deal, found herself HIV positive. She did get her millions, plus sexually transmitted infections, some of which are chronic. My little bit ends here malume.

MM: Yhoo…that’s deep stuff Hlengs. I am sure it will be launched in our province?

HN: Most definitely malume. I said the other day on twitter that in everything I do, whatever, whenever, home(Mpumalanga) is where my heart will be always be. And trust me, Mpumalanga News will be the first media house to be invited, and shall be given VIP status, after all, this paper launched my writing career. I now write for an international magazine, I started here.

I will hold you to that lume. This is actually the most relaxed interview I’ve had in a long time and nice as it is, it must come to an end. So how do your listeners get in touch with you?

PM: I am on twitter @iamProsperSA

HN: I am on twitter @hlengimganu