DJ Magubane is a star on the rise
The quality of his work earned him a name in the entertainment industry and the joy of knowing that he has done something successful makes him want to do more.
POLOKWANE – The quality of his work earned him a name in the entertainment industry and the joy of knowing that he has done something successful makes him want to do more.
DJ and radio producer, Tebogo Jacko Magubane (33), says he realised his love for radio at the age of seven when he used to mimic high profile radio deejays at that time. DJ Magubane the Franchiz as he is known among his fans, leaves music lovers calling for more after his performances, he is well known for his blend of commercial house mixing and passion for drums.
Magubane was born in Winterveldt, Pretoria and his family later moved to Kromkuil, also in Pretoria. There Magubane’s dreams of becoming an entertainer and radio presenter began to be realised. As a student at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), he joined the campus-based radio station TUT Top Stereo 93.6 (Now Tshwane FM) as presenter of the breakfast show. He says he auditioned a number of times and was turned down by the station manager, but that didn’t stop this passionate go-getter. He kept auditioning until he landed himself the job.
Magubane was concurrently working for TUT as a student publication editor, a post he held from 2004 until his permanent departure from the University in March 2008 when he joined Munghana Lonene FM (MLFM) as a presenter. He studied accounting and prior to this, he completed a diploma in administration. While at TUT, he participated in a lot of extramural activities and also represented the institution at a national level in debating.
He says when he was a child, no one expected that he would end up on radio. “I was a shy and reserved child, often bullied until my matric year. However, I was always a high achiever academically and very competitive,” he says.
When he joined MLFM, he presented the international top 30 on Saturdays and Ta Mbilu Yanga’ on Sundays. He then applied to become producer with the aim of exploring his radio skills. He produces popular shows such as Phaphama (breakfast show), Mahlamba-Ndlopfu, the top 30 and Mindzhumba ya Afrika. He is a versatile media practitioner who does a few activities which include among others events, voice overs, professional programme directing and debate coaching. He adds that he can speak 10 of the 11 official languages. In 2009, he started venturing into DJing and is currently doing it on a big scale, occasionally acting as host for major festivals and concerts.
Magubane has shared the stage with well known artists such as Ralf Gum, Oskido, Ganyani and DJ Sbu. He says knowing where he comes from inspires him to work hard as he does not want to go back there. Magubane says he was raised by his grandmother who was a domestic worker. “My granny would put her head on the block for me, she struggled so I could have a better future. As old as she was, she only stopped working when I completed my university studies,” he says.
He is currently studying for a law degree and is in his third year of studies.
“Media people get cheated a lot in this industry, especially when they sign contracts. I want to help fellow entertainers and media people in general to protect their intellectual property,” he explained.
Magubane was honoured with a staff excellence award for his exceptional work at the station.
He says he is now growing the Magubane brand and wants to see himself going international. “I’m passionate about conversations such as exchanging thoughts and debating; that defines me,” he concludes.
