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Prince Mushawevato —
THERE is no doubt the introduction of new private owned radio stations like Zimpapers’ Star FM and AB Communications’ ZiFM has revolutionised the radio landscape in Zimbabwe.
Star FM currently enjoys a healthy and fast growing listenership according to periodic Zimbabwe all Media and Products Survey (Zamps) research results while ZiFM has also created its own niche market.
However, it is going to take perseverance and further perfection for the aforesaid to enjoy the legendary status that is currently bestowed on one of the country’s top vintage stations, Radio Zimbabwe.
Recently, the vernacular station walked away with at least three quarters of the gongs on offer at the Radio Awards event. Certainly, Star FM will enjoy that kind of status in a not-so-distant future considering the massive distance it has covered in its modest four years in business.
Radio Zimbabwe has numerous decades of operation and has a strong grip particularly in the peri-urban, rural, farming and mining settlements. Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) acting chief public relations officer Firstme Vitori concurs that their experience in the broadcasting business currently gives them an edge over other broadcasters.
“It is not particularly about the personality but the station. We (Radio Zimbabwe) have cultivated a strong following over the years. If Tilda (Moyo-Karizamimba) was still with us, she could have easily beat Thandekile Simango in their category,” said Vitori.
“We have a number of programmes that have cultivated loyal following for decades and our listeners easily identify with the presenters hence the reason they get more votes. If you are to do an independent research at the moment you will easily agree Season “Chikara” Ndundu is the most popular presenter in the country at present.”
While the new breed of stations (Star FM and ZiFM in particular) have popularised and given a fresh impetus to programmes like “Breakfast Show”, “Love Shows” and “Drive Time”, they nonetheless still need to deal with a number of legendary programmes that are the backbone of the Mbare-based Radio Zimbabwe.
“Chakafukidza Dzimba Matenga”, Kwaziso/Ukubingelelana”, “Mwana Wako”, “Pamhepo Nachiremba/Emoyeni Lodokotela”, “Kuverengwa Kwemabhuku”, “Nguva Yevarwere”, “Fembera Tinzwe/ Bhula Sangoma”, “Zviziviso Zverufu” and Top 20”are some of the programmes.
Vitori notes that most of the vintage programmes have rather maintained similar slots for decades. Only presenters have changed with the passage of time.
For instance, “Chakafukidza Dzimba Matenga”, which is now presented by Sifelani Chikwape was popularised by the late Jabulani Mangena in the ’80s and early ’90s. The same can be said about “Kwaziso/Ukubingelelana”, which was also popularised by the late Joe Panganai Mukaronda.
“The most popular programmes on our radio stations according to a recent research done by a reputable organisation are our traditional programmes like ‘Kwaziso’ followed by ‘Chakafukidza Dzimba Matenga’,” said Vitori.
Young lads have often stealthily taken up roles in the vintage programmes. Perhaps this explains why some time back a disputing couple was surprised to realise that a presenter who diligently handled their “intimate affairs” on “Chakafukidza Dzimba Matenga” then was far from their imagination of a village elder with cotton tuft hair.
“There is continuity. Some of the presenters were mentored by the greats of radio, the likes of Joe Panganai, Musavengana Nyasha, Ezra Sibanda to mention but a few and in turn they are also grooming and mentoring upcoming presenters,” adds Vitori.
Chakafukidza Dzimba Matenga
This is a talk show that borders on the matrimonial home and focuses mainly on bedroom romance discussions. The panellists are affectionately known by the followers of the show as “Dare” and play the role of aunt/uncle.
Explicit talk is the order of the day though broadcast friendly terms are used. Chikwape moderates but before him the programme was handled by Simon “Pashoma” Ncube (SPN).
But similar programmes like Star FM’s “Couples Hour” and “Love Lounge” that used to be done by DJ Eskay on ZiFM have also gained ground. The bedroom and marriage experiences discussions are popular particularly among couples with broken down families though others just tune in for fun.
Kwaziso/Ukubingelelana
It is always nice to hear a friend or relative greet you live on air and this is what this programme is about. Presented by Thabani Gambiza, Tarisai Chipere, Ompile Marupi, Jabulani Ncube and Rachel Hwambo, the programme involves listeners writing in, calling or simply using the short message service (SMS) to pass their salutations to friends, relatives, neighbours or even workmates.
Kwaziso has stood the taste of time and is by and large responsible for making personalities like the late Joe Panganai, Musavengana Nyasha, Helen Venganai and Simon Ncube household names.
Mwana Wako
The thrust of the programme is to promote proper childcare and the process help stop or reduce infant mortality. It is presented by Tarisai Chipere and is targeted mostly to mothers though fathers and any other person in a parental guidance position can benefit from it.
Experts are invited at the show to give details on how best to look after infants and the Ministry of Health and Child Care has been instrumental in supporting the radio programme.
Pamhepo Nachiremba/Emoyeni Lodokotela
It discusses various health issues and the presenter Patricia Jacob who was partly mentored by Joe Panganai invites various medical experts to tackle different health issues. The public can also write-in or call with questions directed towards the health experts for solutions.
Kuverengwa Kwemabhuku
A particular novel is read by the presenter Sifelani Chikwape, whose use of various tones and portrayal of scenes in the reading is difficult to ignore. The series is not only entertaining but also has educational value. For instance, Ordinary and Advanced Level set books also get a chance on the show.
Nguva Yevarwere
“Ndoda kukwazisawo mbuya vangu vari kuMarondera Hospital vanosimbirwa ne… (I want to greet my grandmother who is admitted at Marondera Hospital, suffering from…) sums up what the Thulani Siziba moderated show is about.
It is aimed at creating and fostering a speedy recovery of the hospitalised and generally letting them know that their loved ones still care.
Fembera Tinzwe/ Bula Sangoma
Listeners write to the presenter Jabulani Ncube with predictions of soccer result to a particular soccer match and those that win get various prizes. Godfrey Gweje and Patricia Jacob have had a dance with the show in the past.
Zviziviso Zverufu
A fast and efficient way of conveying death messages to relatives within and outside the borders. Funny as it may sound, listeners actually follow death announcements keenly. The notices are read almost daily, five minutes before the lunchtime news by any presenter on duty for
Kwaziso/Ukuvingelelana”.
Top 20
Popular with music lovers. They vote for their favourite songs on a given platform. The votes determine who goes on which position on the show from January to December. Ultimately the end of year Top 50 is selected using the number of votes an artiste would have garnered throughout the year.
Online Reporter