FROM a hip-and-happening youth slot that was also popular with the ladies, Ukhozi FM DJ Sipho "Sgqemeza" Mbatha has moved to a more serious and less glamorous evening talk show.

Mbatha, who doubles up as a club DJ and has released his own albums, says he has no choice but to move to the new slot. "I have now dumped my music career and spinning discs so I can fit in well in the new slot at the station."

Mbatha had been hosting the afternoon drive show, Sekunjalo, with Nonhlanhla "Mroza" Buthelezi, who has taken the lunch-time slot over from Lucky Sefatsa.

Mbatha said: "I am not bitter although I'm still very much shocked. I will take this reshuffling as it comes, and I'm planning to make the most out of this situation."

He said the afternoon drive show gave him time to promote his music career.

He had initially signed a contract to continue hosting the afternoon drive slot until 2011. He has been hosting the show for the last three years.

However, the unexpected changes in programming means he will do the evening talk show between 7pm and 12 midnight - Mondays to Thursdays.

Mbatha said the shift means he will now regularly interview government officials and councillors on issues of service delivery.

He said he was ready for the challenge because of his journalism background.

Mbatha said, however, that he would miss spinning discs and "the crazier side of presenting".

He said the change was going to have a negative impact on his music career as he is not planning to leave Ukhozi FM any time soon. "Working for Ukhozi has always been my wish. I will just put my music career on hold instead."