Madumane keeps it real

He is on your radio almost every morning during the week, and he has so much fun doing what he does best. Dumisani Simelane, known to his listeners and fans as DJ Madumane, says numbers don’t lie, he is just the best.

“It is the people who have made me what I am today, the listeners who wake up to listen and interact with me every morning. I owe all my achievements to them and I know we still have a long way to go,” said DJ Madumane.

The Mzansi Breakfast Show host on Ligwalagwala FM says he uses the platform exposed to him to improve the lives of underprivileged citizens in the province.

“Helping people has proved to be a calling to me.” Having started from being a weekend breakfast-show host, Madumane has grown and his work speaks for itself.

“Understanding that one is as good as his last show and working with greatest people in this industry has shaped my career and I will always remain grateful for that.

My producer, Bheki Sihlabela has also played a tremendous role in my career growth, with the whole team. I would not be the person I am today if it was not for them,” he said.

The euphoric DJ has been voted the best DJ of 2005/06 by listeners and DJs of Ligwalagwala FM and scooped the Ligwalagwala FM 2005/06 DJ of the Year Award which he still defends to date.

He also boasts a trip to Germany Soccer World Cup in 2006 after beating all SA DJs in an Absa Soccer Competition. However, he remains humble and down to earth at whatever cost.

“I am from the township and that label will always remain with me. My success doesn’t change the person that I am.” For a man who grew up aspiring to be a teacher, Madumane says he doesn’t feel like that dream has been lost, teaching people on air is far much better for him.

The DJ has attempted to penetrate the music industry and has released an album.

“I found it really difficult to maintain that part of my career. Hosting a show and having to go all over the country to promote the album was just too strenuous for me. The self-proclaimed hustler says there is still a long way to go for him, and he plans to retire at 38.

“I am in my early 30s, I plan to retire when I still have the energy to work and explore other things. But be that as it may, I really am grateful for the man that I am now, let it be known that I also express gratitude to my listeners for their loyalty.”

You can get hold of Madumane on Facebook: Real Madumane, Twitter: @realmadumane, and Instagram: Real Madumane.