Edward Tsumele

Edward Tsumele

Munghanana Lonene FM (MLFM) will celebrate 42 years of successful radio broadcasting this weekend.

Initially a Bantustan station created for Xitsonga speakers, MLFM has since transformed itself into one of the shining stars of the SABC with more than a million listeners.

The station, which broadcasts from Polokwane, has produced such talented DJs as Elias "Chau Chau" Maluleke, Roy Ngobeni, Phillip Rikhotso, Brian Rikhotso, and James Shikwambane.

The celebrations, which start at 10am, will take the form of a concert at Ke-Ditselana Multicultural Village in Katlehong on Saturday.

Ke-Ditselana, which hosts nine different indigenous homesteads, provides a rural atmosphere in an urban environment. This will give the audience an opportunity to interact with the cultural village while enjoying the performance of some of the country's top hip-hop, gospel, Afro-pop, jazz and traditional Xitsonga artists.

The celebrations will be supported by other SABC radio stations PhalaphalaFM, ThobelaFM, Ikhwekhwezi FM, Lesedi FM and LigwalagwalaFM.

Artists include Maduvha, General Muzka, Penny Penny, DJ Khwaya, Buti Ready, Madala Bijana, Flora Nwa-Chauke featuring Sun Glen, Zozo, Vuyelwa; Sgonondo; Mzet, Proveb, Pro, Selwyn, Chippa, Sash, DJ Sbu, DJ Monde, Robbie Malinga, Nombulelo, Gugu Shezi, Exodus and Mphulo Nathi.

MLFM will also be giving food and clothing to Kwaze Kwasa, a home-based care organisation.