It’s been about a month since 5FM introduced listeners to their new chart show presenter Nick Archibald – the man who says he was a born entertainer. He’s been keeping the vibe going every weekend (Saturdays 10:00 – 14:00 for Top 40 on 5 and Sundays 10:00 – 14:00 for 5 Takeover).
After a stint at campus radio while at Stellenbosch University where he worked the graveyard shift before moving onto the Breakfast Show in 2019, he was won Campus Breakfast Presenter of the Year at the 2020 SA Radio Awards. He worked briefly for Eyewitness News before joining the 5FM family this month. His love of music extends across all genres and he reckons in his past life he is sure he was musically gifted because he feels music in my soul
We caught up with him to find out a little more about what makes him tick. He tells us he has always loved entertaining people and seeing how little jokes (cheesy or not), music and just good times could change someone’s mood almost instantly. “I genuinely believe it is my purpose in this crazy world we live in. Getting into radio came from my high school drama teacher, Callie Fields, who thought my voice would sound good over the speakers – quite honestly that’s it. I asked many questions in my first year and ended up doing a 3-month radio training course before getting my first show on campus.”
How’s the experience been at 5FM so far?
I absolutely love this brand. I have had nothing but fun so far – long may it continue! But genuinely, I had dinner with Nick Hamman and Dan Corder just before I started and it felt like I was sitting with family, immediately. I didn’t think much of it until I met everyone else – it’s the same feeling. We are all rooting for each other – it really is a family and that has struck me as extremely important going forward and wanting to impact the youth of South African in the way we want to.
What would you say is the soundtrack to your life?
With such a broad love for the art of music, this is always a tough question for me. But considering my life currently with my career, my business, my personal life and where I am at mentally – “On top of the World” by Imagine Dragons is probably the best way to describe this very moment in time.
What does the perfect day look like to you?
A 6:30 wake-up, making coffee with my partner before she goes to work. A piece of toast with cheese and marmite, answering emails and planning my day before getting things started. Radio on at 7:30 and start writing ideas and content pieces for my show, or podcast, or TikTok or just to make myself laugh – as long as the music is playing, the ideas will flow. After trying to come up with ways to bring my company to other companies or planning a full show – food is essential. So, a big lunch before a training session, maybe some basketball, strength work, tennis or golf. All before settling down with a whiskey and a sunset, dinner with my family and some series before bed.
What’s on your bucket list before the year ends?
I want to do a mini-triathlon. It’s not those big distances like in the Iron Man or any of that. But a swim, cycle, run event – my body hasn’t been in the best shape because I tried to play too many sports when I was younger. But with this challenge, I want to give myself the opportunity to get stronger and fitter and most importantly healthier.
You’re stranded in a desert, who is your companion and what three must-have items do you have with you?
Well let’s set the scene – my companion is likely to be my partner, Megan – I want to travel with her at some point. We had a crash landing on the plane going to Hawaii – for some reason there is a desert in the Atlantic Ocean. First thing, H2O – have to stay hydrated right? Second thing, my favorite DvD, Tangled – naturally for inspiration. And third thing would be some sort of paracetamol – for the headache I would get after the partner in desert surviving shouts at me for bringing such stupid things. Self-deprecation, what a beautiful thing!
Catch Nick Archibald on 5FM Saturdays 10:00 – 14:00 for the Top 40 on 5 and Sundays 10:00 – 14:00 for 5 Takeover
