Twasa's bittersweet radio victory

15 April 2019 - 09:00
By Emmanuel Tjiya
Radio personality Twasa.
Image: KABELO MOKOENA Radio personality Twasa.

Veteran radio personality Seipati "Twasa" Seoke was crowned the queen of breakfast radio at the 2019 Liberty Radio Awards on Saturday night.

But it was a bittersweet moment for the 40-year-old as she couldn't attend the awards at Sandton Convention Centre after her father died last week following a long battle with cancer. It's Seoke's first radio award in her 19-year career. She won for her Lesedi FM's Monate Breakfast Show.

"My dad passed away a happy man. He has been ill for a long time. Our hearts are sad, we are going to miss him, but we realise he's also resting," Seoke poured her heart out.

"My mom died when I was eight years old and the privilege to then have lived with my dad for the past 32 years is such a gift for the family. My stepmother is such an incredible person. I'm so elated about this win. I told the team when we started last year April that we are an award-winning programme. I'm amazed at God. This is my first radio win and I'm over the moon,"

Robert Marawa was the top winner of the night at the coveted radio awards.

Although he was not there to accept his awards, his longtime producer Beverly Maphangwa, looking fiery in red, was there to represent.

Kaya FM's Kgomotso Matsunyane  won best afternoon drive show at the  Liberty Radio Awards.
Image: VELI NHLAPO Kaya FM's Kgomotso Matsunyane won best afternoon drive show at the Liberty Radio Awards.

Marawa was named best sports presenter beating industry peers. His simulcast Metro FM and Radio 2000 show Marawa Sport Worldwide was named best commercial radio show.

"We did it. I'm grateful for being recognised for the work that we do - all the dedication and challenges that we face," Maphangwa told Sowetan.

"It means that what we do hasn't gone unnoticed. No matter the challenges we always come on top."

Taking to Twitter after his win, Marawa wrote: "God is great. Back for only eight months on radio. You are the bosses who listen to the show [and] have been my strength."

The public broadcasting service categories were dominated by Umhlobo Wenene FM, winning station of the year, best music show for Ikwayala Eziphambili, best daytime show for Khanya Gqiyazana and best afternoon drive time presenter Amaza Ntshanga.

Home of the Afropolitan Kaya FM was named commercial radio station of the year with Kgomotso Matsunyane and Ndumiso Ngcobo's Uncaptured scooping best afternoon drive show.

"As a woman that's a feminist and have alternative points of view that might not necessarily be popular, I will urge all radio managers to really support feminists and investing in women that are feminists because we have something to say and the world needs us," Matsunyane said.

Another honourable win was Radio 2000's The Glenzito Drive with Glen Lewis.

Thobela FM's long-running Mahlakung Drama Soap won best podcast.