Nigel Pierce returns to radio after six years with explosive Heart FM comeback show
Seasoned radio host Nigel Pierce is back on the airwaves and his first show has certainly gotten Heart FM listeners talking.
After six years off radio, broadcaster Nigel Pierce returned on Monday afternoon on Heart 104.9 FM leading the Drive Show from 3pm to 7pm, with Jamie-Lee Domburg, on traffic, and Jeremy Harris, on sport.
As promised, Pierce, delivered when it came to filling in the blanks on the dramatic split from the SABC radio station Good Hope FM, one that silenced his voice for six years.
The tell-all show on May 5, was true Pierce style raw, unfiltered, loud and entertaining.
Pierce's return as expected had listeners tuning in to hear the high-energy personality on the popular Cape Town radio station.
Many embraced Pierce with warmth, and some listeners weren't too pleased with listening to him talk about himself for more than two hours seems they forgot it's 'The Nigel Pierce Show'.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Reviving radio: Nigel Pierce's energetic comeback on Heart 104. 9 FM
The Nigel Pierce Show features Jamie-Lee Domburg (Traffic) and Jeremy Harris (Sport) and brings you home with power and personality. Image: Supplied. Nigel Pierce, veteran radio Jock and broadcaster is back on radio after a hiatus of six years and he is already making his presence felt with pulsating sounds and sharp tongue comments that has his fans in a frenzy and distractors holding their breaths. He hosts the Monday to Friday afternoon Drive Show on Heart 104.9 FM with Jamie-Lee Domburg, on traffic, and Jeremy Harris, on sport. Weekend Argus reporter Edwin Lombard asked him a few questions on his new show. You bring so much energy to your new show, you remind me of a solar panel (Lol). Is that the idea with the show: to be fast paced, energetic and pack a punch? Radio hasn't felt alive in this town for years - it's been on pause, just playing in the background. But real life isn't background noise. It's messy, emotional, and urgent. We're here to bring it back to the forefront, to start conversations that matter, and to talk honestly about what's keeping our listeners up at night. No filters, no fluff - just real voices and real issues. Tell me about the new Nigel Pierce. What else is there to know about Brand Nigel Pierce? I've been through the pain, sat with it, and let it teach me. I'm not the same - I'm more aware, more grounded, and more in tune with myself and others. It hasn't been easy, but every difficult moment shaped me. Growth hurts, but when you take the time to reflect, that's when real progress happens. On a Friday you keep to the theme of 80s disco music. Is the show about nostalgia for those who were doing the disco scene 40 years ago, or is it also an attempt to bring younger listeners (Gen Z) to like 80's music? From Monday to Thursday, we're here for everyone - whether you're just starting out in life or you've seen it all. We keep it real, relevant, and welcoming. But Fridays? That's when we let loose. We turn up the energy, turn down the stress, and create a space where our older listeners can cruise into the weekend smiling, and the younger crowd can start the party early. It's more than music - it's a feeling. And on Fridays, that feeling belongs to all of us. You seem to have effectively and cleverly combined social media and radio (congratulations on 21 million likes) Is the strategy to broaden listenership across borders and age boundaries? That's the goal - bringing both platforms together in a way that makes sense. They're stronger when they work side-by-side. You keep referencing the fact you're listening to radio stations across the globe. Is that the end-game - to be not only national, but international, what does the landscape look like in terms of your and HeartFM's competition? If we want to be great, we have to learn from the best. I've been lucky enough to attend radio conferences around the world, and every time I've walked away inspired - with ideas I never would've come across otherwise. I also constantly listen to stations from all over just to stay sharp and keep evolving. Honestly, I believe this show has what it takes to stand shoulder to shoulder with the best out there. Why not us? You got in a spot of bother in the past with your utterances and antics on radio. How aware are you of what you say on your new show as not to offend anyone, and are you given feedback by management if you might have tread on some sensitive toes? I try not to let fear guide my choices. If something's right, I'll back it — I trust my experience, and I know I'll land on my feet. I know that you have some legal background and dabbled into property investment. What other pursuits do you have that is away from radio that keeps you relaxed? I help people feel more confident when they speak - whether it's in a boardroom or just having a tough conversation. Through corporate training, I guide teams to become better communicators, so they connect more clearly and work better together. Do radio DJ's ever retire or do they just run out of steam and things to say? Retirement is not on my radar. I've had the break I needed, and now I'm back with more energy than ever. Honestly, I feel more fired up than I did at 18, and the passion I have for this work hasn't faded one bit. If anything, it's only grown. You have been in radio for a long time, what lessons have you learned and what advice do you have for up-and-coming radio DJ's? Be brave enough to be yourself, even when it's uncomfortable. Speak up for what you believe in, even if it means taking a risk. It's not about picking fights, it's about making people think. Do it with respect, but don't water yourself down. Your honesty, your flaws, your realness — that's what people connect with. Share the lessons from your mistakes.
The Citizen
04-06-2025
- The Citizen
A ‘cultural warrior' remembered: Joburg Theatre launches the Mbongeni Ngema Festival
The festival opened on 1 June with the unveiling of Ngema's star on the Diamond Walk of Fame. A person's influence and contributions to society become more evident after they've died; this is evinced in how others elongate their legacy after their demise. Renowned South African playwright Dr Mbongeni Ngema is one of those, as the Joburg Theatre is honouring him through the inaugural Mbongeni Ngema Festival. 'Dr Mbongeni Ngema was not just a playwright or composer; he was a cultural warrior whose work gave voice to the voiceless and told our stories with fearless honesty and immense beauty,' said Artistic Director at Joburg City Theatres James Ngcobo. 68-year-old Ngema passed away in a head-on collision in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, on the evening of 27 December 2023. 'As the City of Joburg, it is both our duty and our privilege to honour his legacy.' The Mbongeni Ngema Festival kicked off on the first of this month, and the opening day was marked by the unveiling of Ngema's star on the theatre's diamond walk of fame. Sunday was also the opening of the theatre production, Sarafina! ALSO READ: SABC accused of stealing Mbongeni Ngema's TV show idea and could face legal action Sarafina! and the G20 Summit The Joburg Theatre is staging Ngema's Sarafina! running until 15 June. The play is directed by Mpho Molelpo, choreographed by Nompumelelo Gumede-Ngema. Ngcobo says the staging of the politically inspired play is a bold cultural statement, considering the city plans to host the G20 Summit later this year. 'As Joburg prepares to host the world during the G20 Summit, staging Sarafina at Joburg Theatre right in the heart of the City of Gold serves as a bold cultural statement,' he said. 'It reflects the city's commitment to showcasing its rich artistic heritage on the global stage. In honouring Dr. Mbongeni Ngema's legacy during this pivotal moment, Joburg affirms its role as an economic powerhouse and a beacon of African storytelling, resilience, and creative excellence.' ALSO READ: Why Sarafina's soundtrack could be just better than the actual film The Zulu Another of Ngema's plays, The Zulu, will be performed on the Joburg Theatre stage during the playwright's festival. The two-hander is led by actors Abdul Khoza and Nhlakanipho Manqele. The Zulu delves deep into the history of the Zulu nation. 'In programming this production at Joburg Theatre, we aimed to honour Mbongeni Ngema's contributions, as they encapsulate the diverse traditions that have influenced the community, fostering a deep connection to their significant legacy,' shared Ngcobo. The Zulu opens this Friday night and will run until the festival's completion on 22 June. NOW READ: Sarafina! becomes first SA film to return to Cannes Film Festival after 30 years
TimesLIVE
04-06-2025
- TimesLIVE
'They helped themselves to my royalties', alleges Manqonqo
Eyadini hitmaker Manqonqo has broken his silence about the harsh realities he's faced with after allegedly being cheated by his former record label — a betrayal he says cost him millions and left him struggling to make ends meet. Born Mlungisi Buthelezi, the artist shot to fame in 2018 with the wildly popular single Eyadini, featuring Dason and Saviour Gee. The track became a nationwide anthem, becoming runner-up in SABC's Song of the Year. But behind the chart success, the Durban-born singer said he was sinking financially. In an interview on The Basement Podcast with Flymotion, Manqonqo revealed the extent of the alleged exploitation, saying his former label pocketed the royalties while he lived hand-to-mouth. 'The painful part was watching their lives change while mine remained stuck. I later found out they were helping themselves to my royalties. At the time, the only income I had was from gigs, while they were living large,' he said. Speaking to TshisaLIVE, the Folweni native opened up about the devastating effect the situation has had on his personal life. 'I've hit rock bottom. I'm living at my parents' house, trying to support my siblings the best I can. My family is helping me survive.' Despite the setback, Manqonqo is not giving up. He's using the hard lesson to prepare for a comeback. 'I haven't stopped recording or working on business plans. I'll be back. This time, proper procedures will be followed. I'm coming back stronger,' he promised. Fans are already rallying behind him, with many hoping to see Manqonqo reclaim his place in the South African music scene — this time, on his own terms.
