Entertainment News

In Celebration Of Our 18th Birthday, We spoke to Head Of Audience Experience at Gagasi FM, Alex Mthiyane

Written by Brooklyn Masuku on 13 March, 2024

Today, Wednesday, March 13, 2024, Gagasi FM, the top Regional Commercial Radio Station, is celebrating its 18th anniversary. This celebration is not just about the station’s longevity, but also about its journey, influence, and dedication to providing high-quality content. At the core of Gagasi FM’s success is Alex Mthiyane, a renowned and experienced radio legend who graduated in Journalism. His charismatic presence has been pivotal since he made his debut in 2006.

Alex Mthiyane is not just a radio personality, but also the Head of Audience Experience at Gagasi FM. He has been an award-winning radio legend who has played an instrumental role in shaping the station’s identity. His legacy extends beyond the KZN audience and has influenced people beyond geographical boundaries. Mthiyane has hosted various programs such as “Alex and The Morning Crew,” and now INDABA, an evening talk, and lifestyle show that has won awards in different categories.

Alex Mthiyane has made an immeasurable contribution to the success of the brand. With a degree in Journalism and experience in Public Relations, he is also a philanthropist focused on rural community development, youth, and education. Alex’s storytelling abilities and connection with the KZN audience have helped take the station to new heights. His passion for radio is evident in every show he hosts, and this has helped to build a loyal following and solidify Gagasi FM’s position as a cultural institution in KZN.

As we celebrate Gagasi FM’s 18th Birthday, it’s important to recognize its impact beyond regional boundaries. The station has become a symbol of South African radio excellence, attracting listeners from different demographics and cultures. This widespread appeal is a testament to Gagasi FM’s ability to adapt to the changing times while remaining true to its roots in KwaZulu-Natal.

Let’s take a look at Gagasi FM’s 18th birthday wishes and more, as presented by the people’s favorite, Alex Mthiyane:

Firstly, how did you find yourself being on the #1 Regional Commercial Radio station?

I joined the station in January 2006 as the host of Alex and The Morning Crew. At the time the show was running from 06:00 to 10:00. There was a great deal of groundwork done three months prior to going live in March.

What has been your ultimate staying power?

I believe it’s a self-driven willingness to learn from your peers, I have been fortunate to have worked with some of the creative teams including the youngsters whose creative work has seen our job being recognised within the station and by our industry. Continuous learning is the key to the ultimate success, and this applies in all aspects of our lives.

What would you say about you that has contributed to the betterment of the station?

Probably it’s the three or four listeners who had followed me from the other station…LOL

It would be my humble contribution in discovering and nurturing some of the most talented individuals who have been behind the growth of Gagasi.

You’ve been on air with the brand for many decades now, what are your biggest highlight?

There’s quite a few of them but the one that immediately stands out was when I hosted former president Jacob Zuma on the evening talk show Viewpoint. Everything was going well until I took one caller who introduced himself as Ntobeko waKwaZuma lo from eHoward College eUKZN, ngicela ukukhuluma nobab’wami. The listener sounded like he had taken a few glasses of… and the conversation ended up persuading the head of state to abandon the ANC to join the IFP. Sadly, we learned that a few years later he passed on, having not witnessed his vision of seeing Msholozi ditch his party – the ANC.

As a prominent figure of the station, what makes Gagasi FM so special and different from other stations within KZN?

It’s our authenticity, friendly and approachable presenters, and employees. The station has different initiatives that give our listeners a sense of belonging, with entertainment, CSI initiatives and the news that truly puts our province first.

You’ve nurtured talent and scouted them too, what do you think makes a good on-air personality?

Plastic melts, you can’t fake it, you connect better with your listener when you are original and authentic.

Being a part of this organisation, what drives the station to its success status, and why do you think that formula has worked thus far?

Leadership that is inspiring and caring. I am blessed to be a part of creative and loyal team.

“Alex and The Morning Crew” – what was going on in that period of your time as a broadcaster?

I found it remarkable that in its first year, the station was growing at an amazing rate. We had to strategically offer moments that would appeal to our core audience hence we had daily prank calls, kiss and make up and above all we respected our customer, the listener. I was personally confident about our growth as a brand but not at the level that would go beyond the 1 million mark in less than a year on air.

As Gagasi FM legally turns 18, what are your best wishes for the station and more?

I wish this 18-year-old growth and prosperity and continue to be the true friend to our KZN youth.

Gagasi FM is thrilled to celebrate its 18th legal anniversary as the unrivaled radio station. This milestone proves that everything the brand does serves as an inspiration to its listeners across KZN and beyond. The brand’s success knows no bounds, and we eagerly anticipate many more years of achievement to come. “G” for joy!