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Triumphant return to SABC for DJ Sbu

Picture credit: Peter Mogaki
Picture credit: Peter Mogaki

Three years after his unceremonious departure from SABC1, DJ Sbu makes a celebratory return with a show about entrepreneurship.

DJ Sbu, real name Sbusiso Leope, said viewers would see him return to the channel that launched his television career with Friends Like These from Tuesday night on Future Leaders.

"They saw the work I do with my foundation, the Sbusiso Leope Education Foundation and how it was in sync with what Future Leaders is about," Leope said.

He said talks were initiated by the production company who pitched his name to the channel and sponsors.

He calls this return a homecoming following his axing three years ago from Metro FM and Friends Like These.

"Whenever I leave a place, ga ke nyele didiba [I don't muddy the waters]. I've kept a good relationship with them and I'm happy to be going back to the channel responsible for the man I am today.

"When you leave relationships, don't hold grudges, that's what I do. I still have good relationships with most of my exes," he said.

Leope said he never left SABC1 acrimoniously.

"I even offered to help look for a presenter. I called Maps Maponyane to put his name forward and others who I thought would be great.

"I was happy when Trevor Gumbi got the job because he's my boy."

Now he's back presenting Future Leaders, narrating and mentoring young people.

He takes groups of young entrepreneurs who he auditioned from all nine provinces through their paces as they create various ventures.

Some of the projects include putting together a soccer team, starting a Tour deKasie to get children active and starting a recycling sweat shop.

"Being among young people, talking to them and organising bursaries is what I do, the only difference this time is that there will be cameras documenting the journeys."

Leope has also released new music for the first time in years. His single Vum Vum is a retake of the Brown Dash, Mdu and Brickz collaboration.

He also features Nigerian star Patoranking and DJ Maphorisa.