Diamond FM up and running

Mercy Ngwebvu
ZIMPAPERS-RUN commercial radio station, Diamond FM is now up and running and has been received with much hype by the Manicaland population, with full throttle broadcasting expected soon after completion of renovations at The Manica Post building.

In an interview, Diamond FM station manager, Leander Kandiero, expressed confidence in the radio station’s success.

“The June auditions saw us choosing 12 presenters from Mutare who come from diverse backgrounds. Our signal has been running and we are impressed with the progress and response we have been getting from the people of Manicaland.

“Owing to the popular demand by Mutare people to hear their own voices, the presenters were introduced three weeks ago, in two-hour broadcasts and I am happy with their performance so far despite the fact that they are still undergoing intense training. News has been one of the major requests by the people of Mutare and I should say that the news team is also going through training. News bulletins can be expected in the next two weeks. All this has been happening parallel to the construction of state of the art studios at The Manica post building,” he said.

Kandiero confirmed that the broadcasting equipment from Italy was now in the country and was awaiting installation as soon as the renovations were complete.

“I can confirm that our broadcasting equipment is now in the country and it will be installed as soon as the renovations at The Manica Post building are done. Once the installation is done, then Manicaland can expect full throttle (24-hour) broadcasting and programming,” he continued.

He also commended the tremendous response by Manicaland artistes, adding that with time, their music will be incorporated on the songs that will make up the Diamond FM playlist. An upcoming artiste, Beverly Nyakuengama who has already enjoyed airplay on the radio described the coming of the station as a new dawn to the Manicaland music industry.

Said Beverly: “This new station is the best thing that could have ever happened to us as upcoming artistes. For a long time we have been sidelined because most radio stations preferred artistes from Harare so much so that we never got airplay and a lot of talent in Manicaland went unnoticed. However, now that we have Diamond FM, people can now enjoy music that they easily relate to.”

Some of the people said the station gives the Manicaland people a sense of pride and belonging.

“Mutare is very beautiful and this station comes as the missing piece of the value. Now that we have Diamond FM, there is absolutely no need for us to listen to other radio stations. They have informative programmes and instead of relying on other stations for information, we now have Diamond FM. Having our own radio station gives us some form of dignity as the people of Mutare. The station is also uplifting our Manyika dialect and that alone is something to be grateful for. People used to look down upon Manicaland people, but I am sure that through this station, we are going to be appreciated,” said Sarah Kativhu, a Sakubva resident.

People in the business fraternity expressed excitement at the chance they now have to advertise their products, saying this could mean better business for them.

“Advertising is an essential component for any business to flourish. Being into the motor spares business, I think this is a wonderful chance for me to market my products. It would not have made sense for me to flight an advert on Star Fm for instance because no one will understand but now that the station is in Mutare, my advertisements will make sense because the people can relate to it,” said one Mr Dhliwayo who owns a motor spares joint in downtown Mutare.

Some of the shows on Diamond Fm are The Wake Up Call (6am-8am), The Joint (10am-12midday), Homebound (2pm-4pm) and the Diamond Daily Top Ten, every weekday between 6pm-7pm.

The Diamond Fm signal is running on 103.8fm, operating on a 40km radius.

The 12 presenters are Tinashe Zilole, Dillon Sisimayi, Barbara Vhengedza, Charlene Mataure, Christopher Sidhuna, Prudence Gwitirwa, Peter Madondo, Michelle Bwititi, Hardlife Zuweni, Nathaniel Mlambo, Jabulani Mangezi and Mercy Ngwebvu.