Latest news with #YFM
News24
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
YFM's DJ Fae Fae on signing with a label, new music and more
DJ Fae Fae has recently signed with local record label Dance Afrika and is ready to release her own music. She grew up limited access to secular music but plans to go global. She hopes to collaborate with stars like Tyler ICU, Tyla and Ayra Starr. _________________________________________________________________ Faith Makubung is officially about to make her stamp in music. Professionally known as DJ Fae Fae, the YFM radio host and music maven has just signed to the new local record label Dance Afrika. She joins artists like Basadi in Music Award DJ of the Year nominee Kele Megano and Zama Naomii on their roster. Known for her bold hip hop style on the decks, Fae Fae's latest moves have given her the courage and confidence to work on releasing original music, something she had steered clear of over her seven years as a DJ. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Faith Makubung (@djfaefae) Fae Fae explains to TRUELOVE all about her moves to making her own music. 'I've been DJing for about six, seven years now and those who know me close to me know that I've turned down numerous opportunities to release music. And the reason I did that is because I personally didn't feel that I had enough of a backing to do so,' she says. 'Now that I'm going to be releasing music, I feel like Dance Afrika has given me the confidence, and also given me the courage to be able to say, 'Hey, go out, let's make this music. We're going to give you all the resources that you need. We're going to help you out wherever you need help because the goal here is for you to not just be known in South Africa and Africa but for you to be known all over the world'.' From church girl to music maven The Limpopo-born DJ grew up in the church where her father was a band leader and her mother posed as the lead singer. She explains, 'Music was a huge part of my life growing up but it was a very much Christian and religion related. My parents never allowed us to watch secular TV and secular music was definitely a big no. We would steal listening to secular music. So, I grew up on Kirk Franklin, gospel hip hop and I grew up on African music in the church.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Faith Makubung (@djfaefae) Embracing the art of making music her way Fae Fae admits that another reason why she chose not to make and release original music stems back to her childhood where any music and content not associated with religion was prohibited. 'So, the reason why I actually didn't want to make music prior is because I felt like I had childhood trauma from my parents forcing us to sing in the church. There were times where I didn't want to sing and we had to sing ... just because it was me and my sisters and it was my parents' church. So, I didn't to sing for the longest time. 'When I came in the industry, I was just like, 'Ay man, y'all are not going to force me to sing'. And everybody was like, 'Faith, you don't have to sing, you can be like DJ Khaled and drop music and so forth'. And I didn't want to do it that way because I was just like what the helly? She continues, 'But now I think I feel like I've figured out a strategy on how I'm going to do it and my biggest thing is educating myself on the art of making music. I am not here to make music that is just fly by night music. I really want my records to sit and stick within the African context and represent South Africa and myself.' Selfcare rituals with DJ Fae Fae 'My selfcare rituals of unwinding definitely has to be taking a vacation. I did one just after my birthday and I realised that is the best way for me to unwind. Taking my vacation, no itinerary, make sure I get a spa while I'm there, get into the ocean for sure and just allow myself to be in a different environment, that helps. 'Even going to Limpopo to visit my grandpa and just spending time with him, that literally helps me to just feel like that village girl all over again and I always am filled with so much gratitude when I travel for like four, five hours to go see my family and I'm able to just be that girl who's not DJ Fae Fae.' While she's still got her ear on the ground working on her musical craft, Fae Fae is on a mission to work with the best in amapiano and Afrobeats, with some of her dream collaborations being singers Tyla and Ayra Starr and amapiano producer Tyler ICU. 'I want to work with the best producers of Afrobeat in Nigeria and the rest of Africa's countries including my own country. In my country I would definitely seek out the best amapiano producers and so far, my top favourite, Tyler ICU is definitely a dream collab. I would love for him to produce some of my records because I just think he's just really talented.'
TimesLIVE
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
DJ C-Live Introduces Zen, a new chapter in sound, culture and soul
DJ C-Live is charting a new course and he's doing it with intention. The hip-hop radio pioneer, cultural curator and sonic storyteller has officially introduced Zen, a creative alias grounded in his middle name, Zenzele. The event will kick off on August 1 at Laparada in Melrose Arch, and will feature artists Mobi Dixon, Naked DJ, Zen, Uncool Angels and more. 'This alias isn't about leaving something behind,' says Zen. 'Zen has always been lurking in the background. It's about realignment. It's about returning to what truly resonates — sound, story, soul and self.' While DJ C-Live stands tall as a champion of hip-hop and urban culture, from his work on YFM and 5FM to TV stints on Voov TV, Club 808, and Channel O's The Mix Up, Zen will open up a deeper, more spiritual lane. With the new identity, Zen steps into the role of creative director, experience curator and movement builder. He aims to craft immersive projects that blend design, Afrocentric rhythm and soul Zen's official unveiling on August 1 marks the beginning of a new creative era.
News24
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Get to know YFM's Ayanda MVP, the voice behind one of SA's top youth radio stations
She's killing it on the DJ decks and behind the mic. Ayanda Mdluli, better known as Ayanda MVP, started her career as a TV presenter for a kiddies show on SABC 3 called Vibez and has been booked and busy ever since. Radio host Ayanda MVP fully embraces elegance and couture as she hosts the launch of the Juicy Couture fragrance range✨️ #VivaLaJuicy #JuicyLife — TRUELOVE Magazine (@TrueLoveMag) April 24, 2025 This developed into a passion for the arts, which led to her enrolling at the National School of the Arts to pursue drama. She decided to take a more professional route, where she chose to study psychology and criminology at the University of Pretoria. During her time there, Ayanda joined the campus radio station Tuks FM, which is where the radio bug bit her! She started with the night or graveyard shifts to being the host of the breakfast show. As her talent became more evident, her presence and influence in the media industry became more apparent. Ayanda's rise to stardom kicked off when she joined YFM in 2013, introducing herself as a dynamic media personality. In 2017, she joined one of Johannesburg's most influential radio stations, 947, for five years. View this post on Instagram A post shared by AyandaMVP (@ayandamvp) In 2022, she went back to YFM, where she connected with her fans and listeners. She's had a successful time at the station with her Home Run with Ayanda MVP show from 15:00 to 18:00, where she connects with her 'homies'. Ayanda is also well-known for her world-class musical selection as a hip hop DJ and has been a part of some of the biggest line-ups in Mzansi. She is also a voiceover artist, MC and TV presenter for BET's Beatz and Rhymes. Ayanda channels herself in everything she does, creating an authentic and holistic brand for audiences to resonate with.
The Citizen
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Mpho Popps dragged for using Presley's memorial in comedy skit
The comedian has responded to the backlash. Comedian Mpho Popps has come under fire for a controversial skit that imitates the memorial service of the late actor Presley Chweneyagae. The skit shows Mpho imitating actor Israel Matseke-Zulu's speech, delivered during Chweneyagae's memorial. He is then followed by fellow comedian Tsitsi who then imitates actor Warren Masemola. Popps is joined in the sketch by well-known personalities, including actress Farieda Metsileng Warren. While some fans found the sketch humorous, others called it disrespectful and inappropriate. Here are a few reactions from X: You can say that again! 👊🏾 Bazenza ngcwele. June 20, 2025 You got it right, he ran of comedy ideas and now he's becoming a joke himself. — Kingdeekay Makgoba (@kingd_makgoba) June 19, 2025 ALSO READ: WATCH: Mpho Popps and Co poke fun at SA's controversial prison video Mpho Popps clears the air about the skit During an interview on The Way Up with Nia Brown and Okay Wasabi on YFM, Popps said the sketch was misunderstood. 'It wasn't about Presley, we're not making fun of Presley. We're making fun of Warren and the speech he made at Presley's funeral. And talk about a meta-sketch, right? Warren was in the sketch while he was being made fun of,' he said. He added that Chweneyagae had a close relationship with those involved in the sketch, saying that he personally would not mind being remembered similarly. 'Presley was very close to Tsitsi because Tsitsi's girlfriend and Presley used to act alongside each other in the river. Warren and Presley were very close. And when you do a sketch like that, like, for me, if I want my friends to honour me, I want them to do it the way I would have loved it. And the truth of the matter is, Cobrizi was a funny guy. 'So, I imagine him watching the sketch, laughing. I know where he is right now. If he saw the sketch, he'd appreciate it. And that's the thing about doing comedy—those are the things you've got to take into consideration.' NOW READ: Lamiez Holworthy cancels work commitments due to illness
The Citizen
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
AnkleTap says he knew deep down he'd return to the Gauteng airwaves as he joins Jacaranda FM
After nearly two years at YOU FM, Ankletap has joined Jacaranda FM, marking a return to the airwaves in Gauteng. Following his departure from YFM in 2023, radio personality DJ Ankletap joined YOU FM which mainly broadcasts in the North West. 'After 12 incredible years at YFM, I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself in a new environment, which is what led me to the North West and YOU FM,' Ankletap tells The Citizen. ALSO READ: Remembering Darren Scott: A radio man's radio man Ankletap's return to Gauteng After nearly two years of growth and learning at YOU FM, Ankletap – real name Bryce Clark – has joined Jacaranda FM, marking a return to the Gauteng airwaves. However, he says this wasn't a plan that he'd been mulling over. 'Not exactly planned in the traditional sense, but I always knew deep down that I'd return to the Gauteng airwaves one day – when the right opportunity came along,' the broadcaster shared. 'But when Jacaranda FM called, I knew this was the station that matched my energy, values, and vision for the next level of my career.' From this Friday, Ankletap will host Party Nights With Ankletap every Friday evening from 7pm to 10pm. He says listeners should expect a mix of the hottest music, honest talk, stories that will have them in stitches, and a whole lot of energy. 'I'm bringing that signature Ankletap humor, flavour and feel-good Friday magic. It's not just a show – it's the start of your weekend party.' ALSO READ: Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp on consistent reinvention as a broadcaster and helping others [VIDEO] The difference in audiences Ankletap boasts more than 15 years in broadcasting and a loyal fanbase across the country; he is a significant fixture in the South African radio scene. 'Every audience has its own rhythm and flavour,' Ankletap says, referring to the disparities in the Gauteng and North West audiences. 'The North West audience is incredibly warm and loyal – they love storytelling, they engage deeply, and they're proud of their identity. Gauteng, on the other hand, is high-paced, fast-moving, and plugged into pop culture 24/7. 'But the beauty of it is I love both. That said, Jacaranda FM broadcasts to Mpumalanga, the North West and Limpopo. I've learned to connect in a way that feels personal, regardless of region.' ALSO READ: Radio 2000 broadcaster Ntombi Meso mends childhood traumas through her children's book Ankletap's passion for great radio Ankletap says one has to bring their 'A-game every time' because the listeners are diverse, sharp, and always ready to be entertained. Party Nights With Ankletap is different from the morning breakfast slot he held at YFM and at YOU FM. But he says 'radio is radio' despite the slot one is in. 'I've done everything from graveyard shifts to midday shows to prime-time breakfast, and of course, I've rocked party shows before too. For me, it's not about the time slot – it's about the connection,' the DJ says. 'My passion is making great radio. Each slot has its own energy and challenges, but at the end of the day, my job is to make people feel something. And Friday nights? That's a vibe I live for.' NOW READ: 'Umjolo' dominates Simon Mabhunu Sabela film and TV awards
