Africans are known to be proud of their heritage and culture, and they go all out when they dedicate the whole month to celebrating their roots.

In celebration of May as Africa Month, music seems to be prevalent, and what better way to do this than via radio.

Whether it’s community, commercial, or parastatal, radio stations in the Lowveld are making sure that their listeners are kept informed about the celebrations.

Mpumalanga’s only commercial radio station, Rise FM, will celebrate culture on May 30, and it promises to be huge and entertaining.

“We have partnered with Sun Riders, a biker fraternity in Mbombela, to host a concert against xenophobia at the Mbombela Stadium,” said Celani Dube, consumer marketing manager at the station.

It will also dedicate two hours to nothing but African content and music on Africa Day, May 25.

“Since the start of xenophobic attacks, we have had shows dedicated to reviving love for our fellow Africans and the continent at large.

We just had to intensify it this month. We also encourage our listeners to keep listening, Africa Day will be even better,” said Makhosi Zulu, station manager for Nkomazi FM.

“We have shows that profile other African countries. We just want to widen the knowledge of our listeners with regards to our continent.

The playlist is even more exhilarating, I don’t want to divulge much, they should just tune in for the whole day, and get first-hand experience.

All I’m saying now is the fact that fans of artists such as the legendary Vusi Mahlasela, should not dare change stations on the day,” he said.

Ligwalagwala FM is keeping it fresh on their breakfast show, with a feature that focuses on one African country for the whole month, revealing interesting facts and getting to know the country in depth.

“We have a feature that focuses on all the interesting facts about the country, from their music, languages, food, sports, and everything in between. We call it Africa My Home.

We take pride in Africa, and want to expose all the beautiful things that do not get the exposure they deserve. Africa is painted in a very bad light out there and we want to change that perception,” said Mfanimpela Ndlala, events coordinator for Ligwalagwala FM.

“All the programmes will focus on African music for the day, and that doesn’t mean South African music will not be played, we are part of Africa after all,” concluded Ndlala.