Local broadcasting station makes it big

Umphakathi FM 90.4, The Station Of Choice, is currently scouting local talent and aims to help its community members.

Founder of the station Alone Pilusa started in 2022 and was granted a broadcasting license by the Independent Communication Authority of South Africa (ICASA) in 2023.

According to Alone, the Rand West was lacking local radio stations and he saw it fitting to establish a radio station that would serve the residents of the area.

“Umphakathi FM wants to provide fresh talent a platform to showcase their skills and give local musicians a platform to promote their music before they blossom to mainstream platforms. The station strives to participate in uplifting and promoting,” he said.

Furthermore, Alone stated the station offers motivation, educational interviews and entertainment. Besides providing enrichment to upcoming artists, the station will be using its influence to do charity work.

He explained the station will establish the Umphakathi FM Foundation which will be focusing on training new radio presenters and doing charitable projects. The station allows NPOs to promote their work and they also partner with various stakeholders to give out donations.

The station itself has seen many upcoming artists already. Alone expressed artists such as Busi Mahlaba, Fikile Muchave, Mo SA, Jonkie Jay, Bongi Boki, Nqobile Mtshali, Cliffgado, MaAfrika and Vibration Taylor. The station also had the opportunity to host Lady Zamar to discuss her new album called Rainbow.

The official launch of the station with be at a gala dinner on September 28.

“The launch will bring key stakeholders from different backgrounds of the society such as the Rand West City Mayor and various leaders together. The event will be the platform of celebrating a milestone of having a local radio station in our community,” he concluded.