5 Mins With Bonang Matheba

Bonang is a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment and business industry. She continues to flourish as a television and radio presenter, and never sells herself short when it comes to endorsements and major deals, such Woolworths lingerie line and Revlon beauty products. She gives us her advice on managing all the work she does, and what else she has in store.
What does it take to be an international award-winning radio presenter?

With everything I do – be it radio, television or my other work – I make sure I deliver and maintain professionalism. It’s important to be consistent with your good work, no matter what it is. Create a good relationship with the people that you work with, and maintain that.

As host of Metro FM’s The Front Row (airing between 10am-12pm), what would you say goes into making a good radio show?

When you do radio, you are as good as your last show. I’m lucky to have a good team behind me, from the technical producer to the content producer. Radio is a lot of work, there is plenty of planning that goes behind it. I always plan far ahead; I already know a week before what we’ll be discussing the following week. But having a great relationship with the team is what makes it all work.

With the reshuffling that has taken place at Metro FM, is there anything different about your show now?

Yes there is: the show is now only two hours long, and unlike before, this time I run the show solo with no co-host. The music on the show is always a great reason people tune in, and of course, the great content completes the show. Apart from that, there are no major changes; I believe if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it!

Is it important to have training for radio? How does one really go about getting into the industry?

It wasn’t easy for me to get into the radio industry. I sent in my demo in a few times to YFM before working there. I did the same with Metro FM. I too have been rejected, but I continued to work on my radio skills until I got the job. If you are going to do radio, do it for the love of it.

Is there anything you learnt from attending Nickelodeon’s 28th Annual Kids Awards and your California trip in general?

I was exposed to and experienced an amazing place. The trip made me realise how far up the Americans are when it comes to hosting events like the one I attended. We have much work to do in South Africa till we can be on their level. The trip also gave me a chance to network, and perhaps, someday, I will expand and grow my brand internationally to places like Los Angeles. But right now, my aim is to grow my brand continentally; I’ve been doing some interesting work in Nigeria.

Speak of networking; How do you do that? What does networking actually entail?

You need not make it obvious that you are networking; be subtle about it and have a plan. Present the best version of yourself and connect with people, introduce yourself and be subtle in the way you give your details to people. Take it from there and build a relationship with the people you meet.

What advice do you have for people who want to be successful in the radio industry, and be an award-winning radio presenter like you?

Be patient – not everything happens overnight. Work hard and be consistent, deliver good work and keep at it; pride yourself in your work. Offer something different and unique. Constantly update yourself with what is in, and what works – do your research.

You mentioned that you have been doing some work in Nigeria, should we be expecting big news from you soon regarding your work there?

I have a surprise for a new television show in South Africa, which I can’t say much about right now. I will be in Nigeria for a few weeks shooting a show which I will be co-hosting, but you will have to wait a while for full details.