First Yebo Gogo, now Yebo Radio

Vodacom's move into radio is aimed at increasing marketing efficiency using data network tools that the company has built over the years and creating a marketing operation that ensures subscribers have direct access to news and information about the brand.

Greeted upon arrival

Upon arrival at the Vodaworld complex, patrons are greeted by the sound of Yebo Radio, something not common, especially in corporate offices.

On air from 8am until 10am is DJ Tim Zunckel. “I started in radio about two years ago at Tuks FM, which was amazing because it gave me freedom to explore the medium and really develop my craft. Former colleagues told me about Yebo Radio, that it was a new venture that will rock the way people consume radio, and I was intrigued. I wanted to know more about the new idea [so] I applied,” explained Zunckel.

“The mindset and attitude of the greater Vodacom family means the station has potential to break all the traditional rules and boundaries. There are no rules here; it's an open plan that means we are open to new opportunities and can explore new ideas,” said Zunckel.

Although Tom London, who heads up Yebo Radio for Vodacom, would not say as to when Yebo Radio will be available to Vodacom subscribers, nevertheless he said the demand for Yebo Radio can be created through a good audio branding exercise by making sure that customers get quality information and entertainment while at Vodacom's stores nationwide.

“Our intention is to expose our customers to Vodacom's products and service within a short space of time. We want to entertain Vodacom staff, as well as consumers shopping at any of Vodacom's retail outlets and Vodacom walk-in customer care centres,” said London.

Address skills shortage

London talked about a need to address skills shortage and to nurture available and develop available talent. “I have looked for fresh talent to bring to the airwaves. My greatest pleasure comes from watching radio talent develop. I am a firm believer in young talent and I also believe that we need to find a way to bridge an existing gap between campus, community and commercial stations,” says London.

“I have looked for fresh talent to bring to the airwaves and my greatest pleasure is watching young radio talent develop. I'd love to see this pool of talent develop.”

When asked what he thinks Yebo Radio's biggest challenge will be, London says, “At Vodacom, nothing is impossible. Whatever challenge may come our way, we're ready for it.”

Lineup

The DJ lineup encompasses a mix of experienced DJs from different radio experiences retail, campus and community radio stations. Zunkel, who is currently working temporarily at Radio 2000 co-hosting the breakfast show, was on the station's internship programme last year and has been called in again on a six-month contract while the station introduces its new format.

Also on the lineup is former Tuks FM DJ Keneilwe-Palesa Mohapi, popularly known as Kenzy Vinco; DJ Lucky Token, real name Nhlanhla Lucky Mdaweni, previously with Voice of Wits; Francois du Toit, who says his biggest challenge is to keep the whole country entertained; Stavros Yiannakis, popularly known as Stav, who joined Tuks FM in 2003 and worked his way up to the top to become programme manager; and Russell Morton used to host the University of Johannesburg's drive time show before heading off to Midrand.

And there is also Zama Dube, who says she is obsessed with her own voice, hence she is working in radio; Machane Rotsisky, who says she has always wanted to work on radio and her dream has come true; Annwen Neilson, who would like to host her own talk show one day; and the tri-lingual David “Crockett” Talbot, who says he can speak Rubbish, English and Afrikaans and is into mobile radio.

For enquiries, email Tom London at .