Many young South Africans would love the chance to discuss taboo topics or the complicated decisions they’re facing in life. With its honest and inspiring conversations, the monthly “Don’t hold back: say it loud!” podcast is one of the few platforms to do this and it’s back for a second season, launched on Wednesday 15 November 2023.

Gauteng‘s beloved ‘More Music you Love’ radio station has added an ecosystem of multimedia offerings like the “Don’t hold back: say it loud” podcast, and winning a bronze prize in the Education, Art, and Culture category at the international Anthem awards, celebrates our purpose to connect with our listeners wherever they are,” .

says Deirdre King, Managing Director of Jacaranda FM

Host Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba has a CV that is perfectly matched to carry and give clout to ‘difficult’ conversations. Her YouTube channel has over 200 000 subscribers and millions of views and Nozibele – who’s made it her mission to hold open conversations about her journey living with HIV – and is one of Mzansi‘s biggest activist in the space.

Nozi, as she is affectionally known, chats with fellow South Africans on matters ranging from developing a career, navigating Black Tax, recognising toxic relationships, to struggling with substance abuse and coping with life’s everyday pressures. 

She shapes the podcast “Don’t hold back: say it loud!” by bringing her personal experiences into the interviews and thus creating an intimate atmosphere, especially when it comes to taboo topics that are usually not discussed publicly in South Africa. But Nozibele also gives her guests enough space to tell their stories. 

Among the guests featured in season two are Google Africa Chief Marketing Officer Mzamo Masito, leading expert on social media law, Emma Sadleir, chef Wandile Mabaso and futurist Graeme Codrington.

The focus of “Don’t hold back: say it loud!” is always-on constructive conversations: The listeners of the podcast will take away insights to improve their own lives. Nozi also manages to give the podcast a unique ambience through her positive, emphatic, and direct manner. The podcast is co-production between Jacaranda FM, East Coast Radio and Deutsche Welle.

“Don’t hold back: say it loud” season one has also caught the eye (and ears) of The Association for International Broadcasting as they revealed that Nozi had been shortlisted for this year’s AIBs in the Presenter of the Year – Radio / Audio / Podcast category. The AlBs recognise the highest standards in journalism and factual productions across TV, radio, and digital platforms. Gaining a place on the shortlist is a significant achievement since the standard of entries across all categories in 2023 was extraordinarily high.