He’s stolen the hearts of so many people around Johannesburg over the past decade and a half but Alex Jay’s journey at 947 has officially come to an end. Throughout the years, he has played many roles at the station and has presented the popular afternoon drive, mid-morning show and most recently, the weekend breakfast. His unmistakable voice, frenetic energy and obsessive love for music have made Alex Jay one of the most well-loved and respected broadcasters in South Africa for nearly four decades. However, the DJ announced that he will officially be leaving the station.
“Alex is the reason many of us got into radio in the first place and his contribution to broadcasting in general, as well as 947 specifically, can’t be quantified,” said 947 station manager, Ravi Naidoo. Alex has set a benchmark when it comes to broadcasting in South Africa so it’s no wonder that he is idolised by the rest of the 947 team. “There is no way I would be where I am today if it was not for the legend Alex Jay. He used to listen to my show on campus radio and everyday he would tell my now-boss Ravi Naidoo about me,” breakfast host Anele Mdoda says. “When Alex speaks you listen…and now I am here. He is always cheerful, always on time and I am honored to have gotten to be mentioned by him and to have gotten to know his wife Fiona and kids Maxine and Connor along the years as well.” Meanwhile, drive-time host Darren Simpson adds that “8 years ago, I thought Alex needed a title. So I gave him the title of Legend. He will forever be the Legend of Radio and I am so grateful to have worked with him, learned from him and been in his presence.”
Alex started his career at 947’s sister station 702 when he applied for a technical position and was told he had a good voice for radio back in the 1980’s. Things were different then but Alex quickly dominated his craft and proved that he is one of the greatest DJs to grace Primedia.
Alex’s farewell is another in a string of changes at the Johannesburg-based station. Stacey Norman recently left and was replaced by Ayanda MVP. Rob Vember will be making his way back to Johannesburg to fill the weekend breakfast slot after leaving sister-station KFM earlier this month. The station’s popular chart show, The Coca-Cola Top40SA, will now be hosted by the station’s new dynamic duo Zweli and Mantsoe who also host the popular 947 Nights on the station. The chart will be based on the most popular tracks of the week as decided by listeners through multiple platforms including AppleMusic and other streaming services, as well as direct requests and feedback to the station. There will also be a big focus on the hottest local music. 947 is also taking away all interruptions from 10h00 to 18h00 for #LoveSundays, giving listeners more music than ever before. “We want 947 to be the backdrop for all the fun, the activity, the chilling, the pre-parties, afterparties, braais, meals and everything else that Joburgers get up to on the weekends,” said Naidoo. While Alex’s departure is an unfortunate one, we’re glad to see 947 is committed to innovation and has some exciting new shows up their sleeve.
Feel free to comment, share or tweet @ElBroide.
