Impolo yabahlobo cemented itself in the hearts of thousands of Umhlobo Wenene FM listeners who graced the event held at Buffalo Park cricket stadium in East London over the weekend. Not only did patrons spend the day in the company of their new and old as well as favourite radio personalities, but were treated to some of South Africa’s best as and award-winning musicians and DJs. It was an event of a series of firsts. The first major event that the station hosted, post Covid-19 as well as the first that incorporated the entire family, which speaks to station’s unique mandate as a public broadcaster. The sold-out event proved to be what the listeners needed and had come to expect from their favourite station.
Speaking to Luthando Ngcizela who is the one half of Jaziel Brothers, he says, “…because of the long relationship we have with Umhlobo Wenene FM, this event feels like a reunion, where we share the stage with family than a client”. Ntando and Vusi Nova’s energy on stage was not only phenomenal but some of the most consistent over the years. Ayanda Jiya added a beautiful and soulful twist of the sophistication that speaks to the modern-day female listener.
The special tribute to the late great mama uMadosini was certainly a pleasant surprise that was lauded by many in the cultural and business space, which was housed in the VVIP section.
In another brief and casual conversation, Marc Mahambehlala of Mahambehlala Communications, who host different franchises of their Ebubeleni Music Festival, he lamented how “Covid-19 called on all of us in the media and entertainment space and essentially forced us to come up with creative ways to survive, grow our businesses and continue to give our patrons something compelling & Impolo Yabahlobo, captured exactly that for me”.
This event was preceded by a series of activations in different cities and towns and carried a milestone partnership between the station, and Footwear brand, Bathu.
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