The Sunday Mail
Takudzwa Chihambakwe
THE leading radio station in the country, Star FM, turns five. And on Friday June 23 at the Glamis Arena — one of the most revered Jamaican performers, Anthony B, headlines a colossal celebration party, which also features Winky D, Soul Jah Love and Jah Prayzah.Award-winning promoter, 2 Kings Promotions, are partnering Star FM for the massive festivities, which have been dubbed “5Starversary”. Advance tickets are US$5 and US$15 for ordinary and VIP sections respectively while at the gate the charges go up to US$10 and US$20.
However, as we rejoice at Star FM’s success, it would never be complete without celebrating many of its star presenters. This week we profile Nokuthula Sithole, better known as Noxy Divine Diva, who celebrates a year at Star FM this month.
Besides being the producer and co-host of the T.X.O anchored by DJ Mox, Noxy also goes solo, burning the midnight oil on the Midnight Express show from 12 midnight to 3am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. It was around this time last year that something suddenly changed on Star FM’s 12pm to 3pm show, the T.X.O. A new voice was added. As with the likes of Phathisani and KVG, a new talent had been unearthed at “the home of stars”.
This voice was none other than that of the Bulawayo-born and bred Noxy Divine Diva. We spoke to her.
“Noxy is a vibrant crazy, daring and ambitious woman born and bred in the City of Kings and Queens. On how I ended up here, well, nothing but the grace of God,” said the bubbly radio personality.
She added: “It so happened that I hosted the Star FM team at my previous workplace when they came for a trip in Bulawayo. It is during this visit that I got to know that the station was looking for Ndebele speaking young presenters.
“So I followed up on the information and I eventually auditioned for the job. I was then offered a two-month trainee contract and started work on June 6, 2016 — the rest, as they say, is history.”
The diva says life in the first year with the station has been a roller coaster ride.
“Life with the station has been a roller coaster ride. It has not been easy but then again nothing in life is ever a stroll in the park. Fitting in wasn’t an issue, I’m very affable, but it still took longer than I expected because most of my colleagues had been there since the station started and relational systems were already set but I found my place eventually.”
However, the move to Harare to pursue a career in the communications industry did not come cheap for Noxy as she had to sacrifice her musical career.
Noxy is an amazing vocalist who when she sings her soprano notes, even angels blush in awe. But all the music business had to be suspended for her love of radio.
“Many people do not know that I can sing. I was part of the amazing group Vocal X when I was in Bulawayo and it is to that group that I owe my music experience. I remember approaching Thembelani, the director to get vocal assistance before the group was started I had serious key issues. We did a few sessions and when he started the choir I was one of the first people he recruited.
“I love music, I love the stage and yes, I would love to pursue music. However, that’s on hold till I find my radio feet. I do backing vocals here and there though, so I believe my pipes still work,” explained Noxy.
Noxy says she knew that the ideal career for her would be one that involves working with people.
“My first job was a receptionist at a bus company. I believe that’s where I discovered I love people and that whatever career I would pursue would involve people,” she said.
She says she was also inspired by young television presenters like Makanaka Wakatama.
“I have always wanted to be in the entertainment industry and I fell in love with personalities like Makanaka Wakatama. I used to watch her and told my mum ‘that’s what I want to do too’. Then came YOTV presenter, Rorisang, who is now with Touch Central. She is another individual who inspired me a lot.”
At Star FM, she says DJ Mox has been a major source of inspiration among many others, who have helped her find her feet.
“My first solo experience was scary. I had DJ Otis to hold my hand. He kept encouraging me to relax and be me. Also, Mox has been amazing. The guy pays attention to detail from what he says to how he does his desk production. He does not leave anything to chance and that’s a trait I admire.
“Steve Vickers has been great help too.
He sits me down and makes me listen to my show and then gives feedback. I can’t put a price on that, I need the feedback to grow — it’s easy to be stagnant so I value the feedback, be it negative or positive,” said the diva.
Though things are starting to shape up for Noxy, as she is now developing into a host of various events, she says her main goal is to venture into television presenting.
“Radio is a bliss but my ultimate dream is to be a television show host. As I highlighted earlier, the people who inspired me were from television and that is where I want to take my career,” she said.
