The Sunday Mail
Sunday Mail Reporter
CONTEMPORARY talk radio station Capitalk 100.4 FM is celebrating its fifth anniversary today, having hit the airwaves on January 16, 2017.
The station, which terrestrially broadcasts to over 4,2 million people within a 40km radius of Harare’s Central Business District, also has a following of 110 000 on its social media platforms.
From riveting conversations of a social nature to matters of finances and the economy, then to hardcore political subjects, Harare’s Heartbeat, as Capitalk is popularly known, strives to keep the Hararean, the Zimbabwean and those beyond abreast with current affairs.
This 24/7, 365 days a year programming, anchored by experienced, witty and professional presenters, is also buttressed by the great music the station plays, resonating with listeners of all age groups. Capitalk 100.4 FM’s station manager Nyaradzo Makombe said as a station, they are grateful for the support they have received from stakeholders.
“It’s been five years and we are so grateful for having reached this milestone in the broadcasting industry. We would like to thank our listeners for the support, as well as our advertisers for believing in our brand,” she said.
Despite disruptions caused by Covid-19, the station adapted to the new normal.
Over the years, it has had its fair share of positives in the competitive broadcasting industry, chief of which was when they became the first local radio station to host a sitting Head of State and Government when President Mnangagwa visited their studios in June 2019 for a programme that was dubbed “Catching Up With ED”.
This was a platform where citizens interacted with the President live on air.
Zimpapers CEO Mr Pikirayi Deketeke congratulated Capitalk on their milestone, commending the station for having conversations that help develop the nation.
“Born out of our innovation drive and desire to stay ahead of the game, Capitalk has broken barriers by creating a platform where meaningful debate and dialogue can be held.
“This is a critical component in supporting the vision of the Second Republic,” he said.
He also took the opportunity to thank listeners and advertisers for their support, while at the same time encouraging the Capitalk staff to continue soaring high.
Some of the listeners who have walked the journey with the station since its inception also shared their fondest memories.
Said one listener known as Sharkmanship: “Capitalk portrays a clear picture of modern radio and they are up-to-date with current affairs. They also have friendly and sociable radio presenters, something that is alien in many radio stations.”
Added another listener, Sir Micah, from Southview Park: “Capitalk yakandibatsira kunyanya panyaya yesocial interaction zvichibudikidza negroup reWhatsApp Harare. Capitalk iri so informative kubudikidza nezvirongwa zvayo, especially naLoshto. Keep it up, Capitalk!”
The station has also worked with several corporates, the private sector, NGOs and multilateral institutions. The Zimbabwe Republic Police acknowledged efforts Capitalk puts in ensuring the safety Harare residents.
“As ZRP Harare province, we would like to appreciate the great work that Capitalk does with respect to all progressive programmes that enrich quite substantial sectors of society. As the police, we appreciate the airplay that we get from the radio station, in which we have the capacity to reach out to a number of members of the public.
“Our campaign messages are transforming how the public perceive the police. We hope such great partnerships continue thriving as we deliver the best service to the public,” said ZRP Harare province spokesperson Inspector Tendai Mwanza.
“One of the pioneers at Capitalk 100.4 FM is broadcast technician Claudious Nharo, who has assiduously worked to ensure that the station is always on air.
He took us down memory lane where the station’s former studios in Chisipite were built from scratch.
“I did the provisional installation using a basic analogue mixer and a personal laptop that hosted all the automation system and audio streaming codecs for online. It wasn’t easy because I worked with radio-fresh presenters whom I had to train about technical aspects of radio.
“The studio had a bedroom function so we had to make acoustics using wood and cloth for soundproofing. Fast-forward, five years later, Capitalk FM has the best studio and the best audio quality in Zimbabwe,” boasts Mr Nharo.
The station has presenters who include Jackson Madzimba, Tariro Manamike (Tarie-Anne), Kudzi Gona (Sqkatta), Loston Storo (Loshto) and Rumbidzai Venge.
As part of their celebrations, Capitalk will have pop-up broadcasts across the city on January 28, 2022, which will be supported by Road Angels Pvt Ltd.
Other corporates are also being encouraged to come on board.
The main event will take place on the same day at the new and fresh joint, Emagumeni in Helensvale, and will be headlined by a big surprise artiste.
