ZIWAPHI • VOL 4 NO 8 • 23 April - 6 May 2010
“Naso-ke S’hlabane!” Meet Ligwalala’s party DJ
NELSPRUIT
By Eric Mashaba
Ligwalagwala FM DJ Fanie “S'hlabane” Ndinisa has three wishes: to meet former president Nelson Mandela, visit England and drive "the latest BMW".
Fanie, who was born and bred in Barberton, Mpumalanga, joined Barberton Community Radio as a presenter in 1997.
“I loved radio from an early age. After working for BCR for almost four years, I joined Ligwalagwala FM in Nelspruit in 2001," he says.
"My programme is aired on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9pm until midnight.”
During this time, he keeps listeners on their feet with his eclectic selection of hip-hop and kwaito, and party goers often say they prefer his show to any music that a live DJ could provide.
"Most of my listeners phone in to say they appreciate the good music," he says.
“What keeps us together is the respect I give to them as my listeners, and I love what I do."
Fanie is inspired by Eddie Zondi, who presents the Romantic Repertoire on Metro FM on Sundays.
"I adore him, especially his musical knowledge," says Fanie.
His moniker, S'hlabane (extraordinary), was given to him by his mother.
“When I began working for radio, people started calling me many different names. But my mother gave me that one and it stuck."
Fanie says he's excited by Ligwalagwala FM's success.
"We're a station that's growing and I'm excited to be part of such a great team. I'm looking forward to more successes, although I do not see myself as a celebrity and I have no passion to become one."
His biggest fear is falling ill and being off air for a long time.
"I'm afraid of getting sick because that stops you from moving forward with your life,” he says. “It becomes a challenge when another presenter has to cover your show for two weeks. You sometimes feel your listeners will drop you."
Fanie's most precious possession is his cellphone.
“I don't travel without it. If my house burnt down, I would only be worried about my cellphone, ID and bank cards. The rest can burn!"
Mmm, we wonder if that would apply to his yet-to-materialise BMW as well?
