Not only can you hear him on your radio every weekday from 12 – 3pm on one of South Africa’s biggest radio stations, Metro FM, but Amon Mokoena has also taken the club scene by storm. He has become one of the most-recognized voices on radio but that came with a lot of hard work, passion and determination. This week, we get to know how the star got into the industry, what goes into his radio show and what 2016 holds for him.
You’re one of the most popular DJs in the country at the moment. How did your career kick off?
My dad was a radio presenter before he moved into radio management and I was a pretty curious child. I needed to understand how he left our home for work but could hear his voice through a speaker. He took me to his radio show once and that was it. The radio bug bit! I started doing research on radio and practiced doing links at home for years.
Not only are you a club DJ but you’re a radio DJ as well. Which one challenges you more?
Radio is pretty challenging every day. No matter what preparation you put into the show, days are not the same for human beings. Somehow one needs to make it work towards a better show. They say: “You’re as good as your last show” … that’s a challenge in itself. Think about it.
Hours and hours of work goes into your Metro FM radio show. What happens being the scenes when you are preparing for a show?
In a nutshell, it’s all about post and pre meetings, research, information sharing, brainstorming and a whole lot more!
What is it about Metro FM that you admire so much?
Metro FM is the pinnacle of commercial radio in the country. It’s a blessing to be a part of the brand. It’s where hardworking dreamers aspire to be … I’m there already. It’s a brand that keeps me on my toes.
How do you pick what music you’re going to play when you DJ at a gig?
I don’t really prepare my sets when I play at gigs. First off , it goes with my mood and secondly, I feed off the crowd’s energy.
Hearing all the latest music on your show every day, is it easier for you to spot a hit these days?
I wouldn’t say that. I guess the listeners make these songs hits as they respond to them when they hear them play on the station.
So many youngsters are looking to become a DJ. What’s the best piece of advice you can give them?
Be yourself and create your own path. Audiences are looking for something different if not uniqueness at all times. You’ve got it in you, identify it!
What does 2016 hold for Amon Mokoena?
I want to be a better husband, dad, presenter and most of all, I’m going back to school.
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