5FM drive time presenter Nick Hamman has been very vocal about his passions on the show. He is passionate about doing radio that’s stimulating, exciting and engaging with content and isn’t afraid to talk about topics that matter on his show. This passion is one of the reasons Nick is excited to be adding his flair as narrator to SABC 3’s exciting new magazine show ‘The Insider SA’.
‘The Insider SA’ is unique as it takes viewers on a journey of sustainability with the aim to challenge the way we consume as well as to encourage and stimulate local talent. Whether it be food, art, design, technology, fashion, artisans and entrepreneurs – ‘The Insider SA’ is set to feature stories with a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, collaboration and community.
Now, we get up close and personal with the radio host as he opens up about this exciting new chapter in his career.
Tell us how you landed the SABC 3 show Insider SA?
I’ve been wanting to get onto television for a while. The team behind the show contacted me with the idea and immediately it sounded like something I knew I had to do. The show speaks directly to what I care about, meaningful and impactful living. We worked out all the logistics behind the scenes and now we’ve finally been able to invite South Africans into the journey.
Sustainability has been at the forefront of conversations recently – in what ways can South Africans be more aware of what sustainability is and how can they practice this in their own homes?
By simply understanding the impact that we have on the world around us. We are lucky to live in a world where all the information is at our fingertips, so long as we are inspired to learn more, we can make small adjustments to our lives to improve our interaction with the world. I’m by no means perfect, but the process of learning is exciting!
Without giving away too much, can you share some of the ways in which the show will provide insight on sustainability – what viewers can expect?
The show is focused on telling authentic stories about how people who have a positive impact on the world got to where they are today. Already we’ve showcased stories about a woman who’s changing the face of the Miss South Africa brand, a designer that turns trash into fashion and a game drive in a near silent vehicle. All these stories are about South Africans doing incredible things.
This year you landed a prime-time drive show on 5FM. COVID-19 arrived and created a unique environment to work in. What can you say about your first four months in the new slot – what have you had to do differently?
My team and I have been working tirelessly to put together a show that South Africans can fall in love with. In the short time, we are seeing massive leaps in engagement. The country is excited by what we are doing. It is also important to me to break the mould of traditional Drive Time radio. We are using the space to encourage everyone on the team to have more of a voice. The response from South Africans speak volumes about how what we’re doing is working and we can’t wait to keep winning the country over as their favourite radio show.
Working at 5FM means gigs, outside events etc, and with so many changes to our routines, what coping techniques have you adapted to this new way of working and how do you keep yourself motivated?
I chose to only focus on what I can control. This has always been a guiding life principle, but it matters now more than ever. I am incredibly grateful for what I have and plan to use the platforms I’ve been given to inspire others to have hope and to adapt to their ever-changing circumstances. Being able to create shows that people resonate with is my life force. I feel like everyone should endeavour to do what gives them purpose.
Catch ‘The Insider SA’ every Tuesday at 19h30 on SABC 3.
