WHEN the managers of Ukhozi FM announced changes to this year’s programs, many were shocked by the release of the presenters and new ones.
Among those who left are Sipho “DJ Sgqemeza” Mbatha, Sfiso “King Sfiso” Sibiya, Zandile “Zeal” Dladla, Lucky Nkosi and others.
Their departure opened up an opportunity for new players as Ukozi then brought in Siphesihle “DJ Sphe Live” Shabalala and others who joined Ukozi from the beginning of April.
Sphe (35) has been broadcasting the Saturday morning show on Gagasi FM.
“I did not apply for a job at Khozi, but the management contacted me in 2025 around September and said we are looking into it. They came back in 2026 and the plans will be changed,” said Sphe.
He said he didn’t believe it because he didn’t think he would be listened to by the management of Kozi when he came in on the weekend.
“Hey man! I remember they asked me while we were talking that if I looked at the Eagles, what program could I do? I said Chillas (entering on Saturday afternoon), and I told my reasons that I was working on the weekend. Something happened that I still can’t believe how it happened because they said that when they sat down and talked, they explained that business is about doing things that you don’t have full certainty that they will be successful, so they want to include me during the day.”
In this radio giant, Sphe enters with Zimphi “Zimdollar” Biyela from 12.30 noon to 3 pm during the week.
He praises his colleague for receiving him well and learns a lot from him.
“Our program is one of those that when we entered we just united even though we continue to struggle to make what we do work. Several sections of our programs have been sold. That is a good thing because Ukozi is trying to make money, it means that customers like us. Zimdollar is alive. I am learning the other side of the radio because I was coming from a profitable station. You can help understand the way Ukozi does it. I was not shocked to be included even though others were always saying that I would represent Zimdollar, so I said I’ll do what I know. Welcome, I’m happy to work with him,” continued Sphe.
He said that in everything that was said about Kozi, he joined it because he trusted God.
“In truth, I’m not afraid of anything. I’m focused on the work I’m ready for. I trust the Creator and I strongly believe that this work is not mine but my Father’s. Father who knows about me, there is no month I go.”
He said trust in God is what gave him the courage to face Khozi FM listeners who are known for not hesitating to express their opinions if they are unhappy with something on their radio station. He stated that he understood that there would be pressure due to the change of people who were popular on the radio.
“People loved them and protected them, then we got comments saying who you are, we know who we are. Working with Zimdollar helped me because he didn’t sell me, he supported me and people love us even though there are those and others. There is a lot of pressure here because you are pressured by what you wear, what you say and what you say.”
“We had Khuzani on our show a few days ago. It was the first time that a listener called me a scumbag on Facebook. He just said that this scumbag who works with Zimdollar is like this. It made me feel bad and I was shocked to know what this scumbag really feels. Khuzani then advised me not to look at how great he is in music but he is still being despised. He said that I should not pay attention to what is said on social media if I go to see what people say about me because I will be disappointed.”
Sphe, the only one born to parents who are both still alive, grew up in Mnambithi. He came to Durban in 2013 to study at Icesa.
It was there that he was hired by Vibe FM where he progressed until he did midday shows before being taken over by Gagasi FM in 2019.
“Even at home, the neighbors don’t believe I’m in Khozini. I look like Ramaphosa when I’m not at home,” said Sphe, laughing.
“It’s something that started when I was growing up, I picked up the drums and opened a music station and it will eventually become a dream come true to be on the radio. Even the manager of Vibe FM, I’ve only just seen him, he doesn’t shut up about his broadcaster.”
He thanked Gagasi FM and said that he left wishing that he would end up doing weekday programs there.
He went on to say that even those who don’t believe that dreams come true can watch him because he told himself that he would start at a public station, which went on to make a profit before broadcasting nationwide. He said after years he wants to go abroad.
Sphe, who is a die-hard fan of Orlando Pirates, likes to go home to shepherd in Mnambithi when he is not working.
He said he is in the process of starting a family of his own as there are places he has seen that he has yet to make legal arrangements.
He served traditional food, jackfruit, goat meat and bones.
“I like to spend time with my family, not fun. I’d rather go when I’m not employed. I also like to exercise. I was very fat but now I’m hitting the road. I’m also trying to eat healthy.”
Apart from broadcasting, he also releases music. He has made a song called Uyanqaba and Scelo Gowana, Mang’bona Wena, Dali and others.
“I will release something again this year. It helps me to have my name in the public eye. I’m not in a rush to have hit songs, but I want my name to be in the headlines.”