As we are celebrating 60 years of Umhlobo Wenene FM get to know me Elvis Mali better

1.    Define Elvis Mali to us

Elvis Mali is a rockstar, a flamboyant, outspoken, versatile, energetic, creative and a self starter.

2.    Who inspired you to love radio and why?

Lifa Msimang aka Defaqane, he was so radio and so much versatile and opinionated.

3.    What does radio mean to you and what drives you to do what you do?

Radio means everything to me, it is my playground, my bread and butter and obviously I am wired to do what I do on radio.

4.    If you were not on radio, what would you be doing?

I will be somewhere out there talking to myself not millions (lol) probably producing major pictures (films) 

5.    What would you like people to remember about you?

A dedicated broadcaster, a father, a husband, and an innovator.

6.    State 5 facts that we don’t know about you

1.    God Fearing

2.    Edgy

3.    Loyal (At least you know that by now, lol)

4.    Soulful (A rapper, Beat maker, Philanthropist)

5.    Fragile heart

7.    What’s your favorite ’90s song that you still listen to?

Scarface- Man Cry, its Hip-Hop the lyrics and the beat speaks to me. It’s a story of a man who doesn’t how and when to let go. It reminds me of my fallen band members back in the 90’s.

8.    What is the best gift you've ever received?

Family

9.    What are your social media handles?

Facebook: Elvis Mali Twitter: @elvistorous Instagram: elvis.mali linkedin: Elvis Mali

10. What role has Umhlobo Wenene FM played in your life?

Never-ending opportunities and loyal employer that changed my life for the better.

11. Umhlobo Wenene FM turns 60 years this year: what does being part of this massive and successful brand mean to you?

Legacy, Belonging, Respect And Exposure

12. Give us 5 of your clan name?

Gxarha, Vambane, Siyoyo, Potwana, Mlawu

13. What is your favorite traditional meal?

Samp and beans together with tripe completes me

14. Last but not least : give us a message for your listeners

We are in this together do not forget that we are partners. There is no “brand” Elvis Mali without you, forever love you.

Who are you?  ……..

Born and raised in Grahamstown. I am a music fanatic who enjoys outdoors and making new friends. The environment I was raised under thought me a great deal about starting from nowhere to somewhere. The musical journey and exposure to different kinds of people through travelling crafted me to adapt and deliver beyond expectations in everything I touch.

What show do you host?

Mhhhhh….yhea good question. I am a Jazz Music Show host on Sunday evening at 22h00-00h0 and also getting people conscience by encouraging them to keep in touch with their loved ones on a show called “Usagoduka Na?” 22h00-00 Monday evenings.

I pride myself with a soothing mellow deep voice and good interpersonal communication skills that cuts across from young to old. My knowledge of music is so extensive even Google is no match in this regard hahahaha…… You can tell by the series of radio station I’ve worked for.

When and how did your career start?

It has always been media especially radio to me. I started with Radio Grahamstown in 1997 when I was doing my matric. I later went to Johannesburg to do training as a FILM Producer and a Director at SABC and that landed me a job with Tank Films as an assistant Director on numerous music videos all over Gauteng and beyond.

Radio back home haunted me, I then joined Rhodes Music Radio and during my involvement with the station we won the best performing campus/community station in the Eastern Cape through the Department of Communications in Gauteng. In 2006 I joined CKI fm and it later changed to tru fm. In 2010 I Joined the station of champions uMhlobo Wenene fm

My influence comes from a diverse approach of personalities from campus radio station to commercial so it is very difficult to mention one.

 What have you achieved thus far within your career? What are your career highlights?

In 2005 Rhodes Music Radio won The Best Performing Campus/Community Award in the Eastern Cape (DOC). I also became part of the transformation of CKI fm to tru fm.  

My radio contribution was also recognized nationally by being nominated three years in the row by MTN Radio awards.

2014 Program Directing at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. This includes sharing the stage with the likes of the international acts including Shakatak and Jonas Gwangwa. 2014 Opera House when the saxophonist Feya Faku came to the city in a very long time, I was the program director. Taking part in the 2013 and 2014 Joy of Jazz.

Besides radio, what do you do?

Chairman of the board at ETHEMBENI YOUTH ADVICE CARE CENTER’s , Boysens Park. Founder and Chairman of Cacadu District Film Office. Owner of Vamabane Business Solutions PTY LTD DJ and MC in up market and grassroots events including night clubs and jazz venues.

I am a film Producer and a Director including analog and Digital Video and audio Editing. My skills involve music production, voice overs (voice over artist) and script cutting and translating.

“Calm on the surface, but always paddling like the ducklings underneath”