adminShowbiz Correspondent
STAR FM’s platform for debate — Enkundleni — has the knack of keeping listeners tuned in. No topic is taboo on the programme which airs every Thursday from 9PM to 10PM. Hosted by Mkhululi “Ikhalanga lePlumtree” Ncube, the show tackles cultural, traditional, religious and family issues. Ncube who was once a radio news presenter for ZBC before he joined Star FM in 2012 introduced Enkundleni after realising that there was no programme that catered for Ndebele listeners on that station.
“We started this programme with Innocent Tshuma after a realisation that there were no specific programmes for the station’s Ndebele listeners. I now co-host the show with multi-lingual Chief Koti,” Ncube said.
The show’s topics mainly emanate from social gatherings at taxi ranks, bars, funerals and weddings.
“The topics come from the people and there’re so many topics I’ve heard from kombis. Issues are usually raised where people gather, or even through conversations with colleagues. We always have fresh topics and this keeps people looking forward to the next show,” he said.
The host who hails from Nkayi said the programme which started airing on Star FM in May, 2012 had a motto which states that there is no “taboo” social topic.
“We tell our listeners that we aren’t afraid to discuss hot social topics. We talk about bedroom issues and we go deep, something that ordinary radio stations don’t do,” Ncube said.
He said one of their programmes on lobola caused a stir in a friend’s marriage after the couple listened to it.
“We once had a debate on whether or not it was right for a woman to give her lover money to pay for her bride price. One of my friends who was in such a situation told me that from the day we discussed the topic, his wife started demanding her money back. This was after listeners castigated it and said a man should raise his own bride price to prove that he’s a man,” he said.
The name Ikhalanga lePlumtree according to Ncube was a deliberate ploy to inspire young people from his rural home to be inspired to aim high in life.
“I’m the only one of my siblings who is in Zimbabwe, the rest are in South Africa. When I say IKhalanga lePlumtree, I’m emphasising my hometown to inspire people that you don’t need to go to South Africa to make it in life.
“I grew up in Plumtree herding cattle and eating traditional foods like umxhanxa but I’ve done significantly well,” he said.
During his spare time, Ncube likes to listen to Ndolwane Super Sounds, Mokis Connection and supports Highlanders Football Club.
“I’ve never been shy to say I love Ndolwane Super Sounds and Mokis Connection because this is who I am. These are my heroes,” he said.
Ncube said he hoped to try his hand on music and collaborate with artistes from Bulawayo.
“When I was at school, I won numerous singing awards and I hope one of the artistes such as Jeys Marabini will take me on board,” Ncube said.
Online Reporter