Meet Star FM’s 3-2-6 duo

THE nippy month of June in 2012 saw the birth of Star FM, a radio station that has grown to become the sound of choice for many radio listeners.

This blossoming radio station turned three last Thursday.

Based in Harare, the station broadcasts across the country at various frequencies while also live streaming across the world via its website in English, Shona and Ndebele.

With around 14 shows of varying themes, the station has been redefining radio in every aspect, thanks to their innovative programming. The inception of the radio station also proved to be the dawn of a new era, bringing with it new voices that have been rocking the airwaves.

Among the voices that have grown with the station are Phathisani “MaSugar” Sibanda and Kudzai Violet Gwara (KVG), who have been captaining the ship that has come to be known as the 3-2-6 Express, a three hour show, which gives people the platform to interact with the presenters.

This show is proving to be one of the most popular programmes on radio with millions tuning in and also contributing their thoughts via social media platforms and over the phone.

Last week, The Sunday Mail Leisure had the opportunity to spend time with Phathisani and KVG during their show.

The duo were also celebrating their third anniversary on radio.

Most of the staff at the radio station seemed to be in celebratory mood and it took an instant to be engulfed in the birthday atmosphere. With five minutes remaining to go on air, both presenters looked composed and relaxed, which came as no surprise considering that they have been at it for a while now.

Getting into the studio, it only took a few seconds for KVG to play around with the controls and get the ball rolling.

She immediately stood up and started dancing and singing along to the track she had selected to kick-start the show.

“I am always in a great mood during the show and most of the time its hard to suppress how I feel. Since I am enjoying the music I might as well sing along and dance,” she said.

Although the pair has been on radio for the same period of time, they only started working together on the show during the beginning of this year, with Phathisani having previously worked with Leekay and Aura.

Their chemistry is mesmerising, with each individual seemingly in the other’s head as they co-ordinate their show like clockwork.

“We have always been friends because we were in this together even before this station started operating. We went to the same rehearsal and got recruited at the same time.

“I remember the time when we would walk from as far as 7th street to Copacabana Bus terminus because we didn’t have money for a cab,” said Phathisani.

Phathisani believes that creativity is a key element in every radio presenter since the job requires one to come up with ways to discuss topical issues in an interesting manner, a notion which KVG also agreed with saying she has to be ready to respond to anything thrown at her within a split-second.

“Although we work with a script, just like every other radio presenter, we have to make up our own stuff to spice up the show. If he says something out of the blue, I always have a comeback,” said KVG.

Having started off without a radio background, these two had to build their careers from the ground up and their determination, hard work and passion has turned them into the most sought-after MCs.

“The journey has not been easy but we managed to survive by learning the craft from other seasoned personalities like DJ Munya and Tich Mataz, among many others. We started off with no experience at all but we can now host a big slot like Drive Time,” she said.

The number of people listening to radio had dwindled in recent years but the introduction of new stations encouraged constructive competition, which has had presenters from various radio stations working hard to ensure that their shows grip the attention of listeners.

The 3-2-6 duo are confident that they have managed to make their show the best on radio with the way they interact with their listeners.

“Every time we are on air we strive to make sure that people are satisfied and since radio is meant for them, we also let them contribute to the show. People had lost faith in radio but we are making people fall in love with radio again,” said Phathisani.

As confirmation that listeners were part and parcel of the show, the duo’s WhatsApp numbers had already surpassed the 5 000 chat mark before the end of the first hour of the show and the numbers kept on increasing with each passing minute as people sent in their comments and contributions.

During the show, there was a question and answer session in which listeners were calling in and asking questions while the presenters responded with advice on how to handle those situations.

Phathisani has come to be known as “Mukwasha Mboko”, a status which he attributes to some of the sensitive issues he discusses on the show, which would not be appropriate to discuss in front of in-laws under normal circumstances.

KVG is the one who is always behind the controls, selecting the music because his partner in crime is biased towards a particular genre.

“Ini ndikagarapo vanhu vangatokuvare nemuseve kubva show itange kusvika ipere. (If I select the music I will bombard people with sungura music from start to finish). She is more balanced in terms of taste in music, which makes it a good idea for her to be the one selecting the songs,” he said.

The presenters carry out their duties with vibrancy and energy during the entire show.

“I am always looking forward to the next day because I don’t think the time we have on air is ever enough,” said Phathisani.

Time seemed to have flown past as the show came to an abrupt end and we had to say our goodbyes.

3-2-6 Express airs from Monday to Friday between the hours of three and six.

Other interesting shows on the Star FM schedule include The Breakout, Breakfast Club, The Breeze, TXO, The Hub and The Star Hit List, among others.

Happy Birthday StarFM! We wish you many more.