I’ve already begun pitching my new album Sephonono—led by “Sephonono,” “Banyana Bame,” and “Precious”—to selected South African radio shows, and I’m looking forward to positive feedback in the next few weeks. This post isn’t about how I’m doing it; it’s a quick look at who I’m speaking to and why these platforms matter for the music and for you.
METRO FM — Urban Jazz Experience (Sundays, early evening)
A national touchstone for contemporary and African jazz with space for artist stories and deep listening.
Why it matters: thoughtful curation + national reach = discovery for new, engaged listeners.
What they’ll likely hear from me: Sephonono and Precious—for their contemporary jazz and Sunday-soul feel.
Umhlobo Wenene FM — Uncuthu Lomculo WeJazz (Sunday afternoon)
A specialist jazz gathering that weaves international and local sounds with cultural context.
Why it matters: deep cultural alignment and a loyal Sunday audience that embraces narrative, roots‑aware jazz.
What they’ll likely hear from me: Sephonono and Banyana Bame—story-led songs rooted in home.
Lesedi FM — Jazz (Sundays, 18:00–20:00)
A dedicated Sunday slot where elegant vocals and melodic arrangements can breathe.
Why it matters: consistent appointment‑to‑listen that can turn a first spin into a weekly habit—and word‑of‑mouth momentum.
What they’ll likely hear from me: Precious—a smooth, reflective piece for evening wind‑downs.
Motsweding FM — Motswedi Wa Jazz (Sundays, early evening)
Setswana‑language radio is part of my story, and this show is a home for reflective, beautifully recorded jazz.
Why it matters: language resonance + format fit = the right ears at the right time, fuelling regional interest and live opportunities.
What they’ll likely hear from me: Sephonono and Banyana Bame—songs that speak in the language of our roots.
Lotus FM — Night Café & Jazz Features (late nights)
Late‑night intimacy for cool‑toned, soulful tracks, with jazz features that keep the genre visible to a national, multicultural audience.
Why it matters: a space where jazz is championed—not sidelined—and listeners lean into new voices.
What they’ll likely hear from me: Precious—for that after‑hours glow.
Radio 2000 — Sunday Soul & Easy‑Listening Windows
Adult contemporary programming with Sunday shows where soulful jazz sits naturally alongside classics.
Why it matters: broad national footprint and “companion” radio that converts casual spins into streams, playlist saves, and ticket sales.
What they’ll likely hear from me: Precious and Sephonono—to meet listeners where they relax and reminisce.
Good Hope FM — Cape Town’s Sunday Chill Blocks
Best known for CHR/R&B, but weekends open windows for smooth, laid‑back sets—perfect for jazz‑inflected vocals.
Why it matters: Western Cape visibility, lifestyle‑driven listeners, and fast word‑of‑mouth sharing.
What they’ll likely hear from me: Precious—a gentle fit for sunset radio.
What I’m Hoping My South African Audience will Feel—and Do
- A Sunday ritual. These shows live where reflection lives—my wish is that the songs become part of your quiet, your cooking, your drive, your phone‑down moments.
- A spark for the stage. Radio turns streams into seats. As airplay builds, so does the case for intimate showcases and festival bookings across provinces.
- A shared story. Stations like Umhlobo Wenene, Lesedi and Motsweding are more than frequencies; they’re communities. I want the music to travel in the languages and memories that shaped it.
If you hear a song on your favourite show, tell me where you were and what it felt like. That’s the true measure of airplay—and the best kind of feedback.
Nnunu Ramogotsi: Africa's Jewel 