Algoa FM is celebrating its move into its own purpose-developed building with a new line-up that includes exciting new voices, and a fresh sound, says managing director Alfie Jay.
Among the new broadcasters is Linda Nzuzo, who started her broadcasting career in Port Elizabeth and was most recently on Kaya FM, after stints with Tru FM, Bay FM and Nkqubela FM.
“We are capitalising on the excitement about having our own building for the first time in the 34 years since Algoa FM first started broadcasting,” says Jay.
Popular broadcaster and sports fundi Mio Khondleka will kick off Saturday mornings from six till nine with the Saturday breakfast.
Next is the popular award-winning Top 30 with Wayne Hart from nine till noon.
He will be followed by Nzuzo, who “will bring an authoritative yet smooth vibe to the Saturday lunch-time show from 12 till three.
“Then the whole of Algoa FM country will be able to join East London-based Brian Ndevu and Briony Sparg from Port Elizabeth in a show which crosses the divide between the eastern and western halves of the Eastern Cape.
“Brian is well-known to listeners in East London and surrounds as he hosts the afternoon drive,” says Jay.
Another new voice is Jean-Pierre Botha (JP), who will be on air from seven till ten on Saturdays.
He is the former breakfast show presenter of Bay FM.
Algoa FM has moved into the iconic media house development which has been purpose-built in Nelson Mandela Bay’s beautiful Baakens River Valley.
The new year also sees a number of changes to the week-day line-up and sound.
“What is really significant for us is that the entire team in our new line-up is from the Eastern Cape. We have the talent, and Algoa FM is proud to celebrate and showcase it,” says Jay.
Listeners will still wake up to Algoa Country’s favourite early morning voice, Siobhan Momberg, who is on air from five to six am weekdays.
“Our music mix will be getting a slight tweak based on the station’s research of its target market, along with some other changes to refresh the sound,” says programme manager Baydu Adams.
“We are excited to be launching and showcasing our new line up and giving the listeners what they’ve been asking for,” he says.
Multi award-winning broadcaster Wayne Hart will join Charlton Tobias and Lee Duru “in an all-new breakfast show adventure, which promises to entertain listeners with some fresh and interactive radio.
“The team know each other well, and the energy and creativity that sparks in the room when they are together is really energising – just what is needed first thing in the morning while preparing for a day at work,” says Jay.
Mio Khondleka and KayCee Rossouw will trade morning weekday slots.
“From nine till 12 Mio will provide some mid-morning magic for listeners, with KayCee hosting us through lunch until three in the afternoon.
“We are then adding more vooma to the high-octane Drive with Roland Gaspar from three till seven in the afternoon. Watch this space ….,” says Jay.
The two evening shows with Queenie Grootboom Khondleka and Vinny Nogemane have proven extremely popular with listeners and “if it ain’t broke … don’t fix it,” says Jay.
“In addition, Algoa FM will introduce some fresh voices to our highly-acclaimed news team.
“Two-time Vodacom Regional Journalist of the Year Award Winner, Siyabonga Sesant, who is originally from Port Elizabeth, will be on duty behind the news mic until mid-day during the week.
“Siyabonga is a sought-after freelance radio and television news journalist who has spent many hours refining his craft on 5FM, KFM, Eye Witness News, eNCA and Newzroom Afrika.
“Popular Algoa FM presenter, Roch-Lè Bloem will take over the hot seat from Siyabonga from the one-o-clock news and see us through to the end of the afternoon drive with Roland Gaspar.
“And, who knows, Roch-Lè may even ask ‘who’s there?’ when Roland launches into one of his trade-mark ‘knock, knock’ jokes.
“Both Siyabonga and Roch-Lè are backed by Algoa FM’s top news stalwarts of Shadley Nash, Neil Bisseker, Doreen Loubser and Deon Blume,” says Jay.
The new Sunday line-up starts with Roch-Lè Bloem, who says she will keep listeners “calm but motivated.”
Lance du Plessis will continue to present the very popular “Sounds of Time” from nine till mid-day, followed by Charl Leslie with “a fresh lunch offering.
“From three till seven KayCee Rossouw will continue with his Soul Sessions, another show that is a hit with our listeners.
“The rest of the day is unchanged, with Queenie Grootboom Khondleka on air from seven till ten, followed by Vinny Nogemane.”
