Lebang Kgosana Set to Host Drive-Time Show on 919 FM!
After 12 years in the radio industry, Lebang Kgosana—popularly known as the “Hip-Hop Mom” and supermom of six—has reached new heights in her career. Starting 02 September 2024, she will host the brand-new drive-time show The Driver’s Seat with Lebang Kgosana on Johannesburg’s 919 FM.
Lebang’s journey into radio began in 2011 when she worked as a newsreader at Rhythm100. By 2015, she joined YFM, where she hosted a range of shows, including The Weekend Rush alongside Xtremme DJ, and co-hosted The Smash and Grab breakfast show with Smash Afrika. After four years at YFM, she took a break from radio and ventured into production, further broadening her skill set.
Her comeback to radio in 2021 at Massiv Metro led to a focus on storytelling and podcasting. As the head of Creative and Production at CliffCentral.com, Lebang honed her craft in the digital audio space, eventually hosting her own podcast #LifeWithLebang, which provides support to new parents. In 2023, the podcast won Podcast of the Year at the African Podcast and Voice Awards (APVA), making her the first Black woman to claim the honor.
In April 2024, after giving birth to her sixth child, Lebang returned to 919 FM to host #TheFreeLunch. Her drive-time show promises to mark yet another milestone in her illustrious career.
Lebang’s story is set against the backdrop of a thriving South African radio industry. Despite the growth of digital platforms, traditional radio remains dominant, with 75% of South Africans aged 15+ tuning in weekly, according to the Radio Audience Measurement (RAMS) statistics. South Africans spend an average of five hours and 12 minutes daily listening to the radio, with both commercial and public stations attracting large and diverse audiences.
“South Africa’s radio industry is incredibly vibrant, with over 300 community and commercial stations broadcasting in 11 official languages, across distinct audience segments.”
Gary Whitaker, CEO of the Broadcast Research Council of South Africa (BRC), highlights the strength of South Africa’s radio landscape:
Lebang Kgosana’s move to 919 FM not only marks a new chapter for the seasoned broadcaster but also reinforces her position as a key voice in South African radio.
