Y Turns Up the Volume with a Bold New 2026 Line-Up
Y is stepping into a powerful new era, turning up the volume on everything that matters to youth culture right now. Known for championing fresh talent and pushing boundaries in broadcasting, the station’s 2026 line-up is a bold reflection of where the culture is headed next.
Over the past year, Y has continued to grow its audience and evolve its sound, cementing its position as a leader in youth-driven media. With an ever-expanding platform that goes beyond radio, the brand remains committed to amplifying new voices, shaping conversations, and creating experiences that truly connect.
This season signals a clear shift — one that’s louder, sharper, and more intentional.
Fresh Voices, New Energy
Mid-mornings enter a brand-new era as Karen Mthethwa takes over the 9AM–12PM slot with The Glow Up, ushering in a fresh chapter for the show. Her arrival marks an exciting evolution, while the station bids farewell to long-standing voice Xtremme after more than a decade.
Weekday nights are also getting a major upgrade. Media powerhouse Barbara “Baxbara” Moagi joins Tulz Madala as co-host of UNCENSORED (8PM–10PM), forming a fearless duo set to push boundaries with bold conversations and undeniable chemistry. The station also says goodbye to Dimpho Makgotho, who exits after four impactful years.
A New Era for Music and Culture
Hip hop at Y steps into a golden era, with DJ Sliqe and Roiii taking over Sunday evenings (7PM–10PM). Their show promises authenticity, energy, and a deeper connection to the streets, spotlighting the sounds and stories shaping the culture.
Saturdays also get a cultural glow-up as Munaka steps into The Rizz (5PM–6PM), bridging the gap between what’s trending and what’s next. Meanwhile, Shimza’s Karma Karma Radio takes over Saturday nights (9PM–10PM), marking a full-circle moment from his early YTKO mix platform days. KMass also joins the weekend line-up with The Mass Takeover.
Powerhouse Shows Hold It Down
The Way Up with Nia Brown and Okay Wasabi, alongside Home Run with Ayanda MVP and Sinaye Kotobe, remain the heartbeat of the station. These flagship shows continue to dominate prime time, delivering a seamless blend of music, culture, and conversation that resonates deeply with listeners.
Their ability to stay relevant and authentically connected to youth culture keeps audiences engaged, entertained, and coming back daily.
Club Y Expands Its Influence
Club Y continues to dominate both the airwaves and the streets. With an expanded roster including DJ Tshegu, Shakes & Les, Ggoldie, Venom, Rarri, DJ Pedabotic, Lesedi The DJ, Legendary Crisp, Just Mo, and DJ Samba, the mix show returns bigger and bolder.
As the brand grows, Y also bids farewell to DJ Zan-D, a key figure in shaping the Club Y legacy over the past decade.
Beyond FM: Digital Gets Louder
Y’s digital universe is evolving into a full-scale content network. Building on the success of Tell Us Y and Culture Locked, the station introduces new shows that tap into the heart of youth culture.
It’s an Uncool Show hosted by Uncool MC dives deep into Amapiano culture, while Lerai leads Money Talks, tackling bold conversations around youth, money, and politics. These additions form part of Y’s “Beyond FM” strategy, expanding its reach across platforms and creating an always-on content experience.
More Than Radio — A Cultural Movement
Beyond broadcasting, Y continues to lead through its iconic events like GRYND, LYFE, and First Touch, creating unforgettable moments that push the culture forward.
“This line-up is a true reflection of where we are as a brand and where youth culture is going. We’re constantly evolving, constantly creating, and always looking for new ways to connect with our audience. 2026 is about being louder, bolder, and more fearless than ever before. And Y NOT?”.
said Programme Manager Phindile Ziqubu
Line-Up Goes Live
The new line-up officially goes live on Wednesday, 1 April, marking the start of a bold new chapter.
This is more than just a schedule refresh.
This is Y — reloaded, re-energised, and ready to lead from every direction.
MONDAY – FRIDAY
05:00–09:00 The Way Up – Nia Brown and Okay Wasabi
09:00–12:00 The Glow Up – Karen Mthethwa
12:00–15:00 The Lunch League – Caddy and Yvette Floss
15:00–18:00 Home Run – Ayanda MVP and Sinaye Kotobe
18:00–19:00 Happy Hour –Sinaye Kotobe
19:00–20:00 Club Y (DJs on rotation)
20:00–22:00 UNCENSORED – Barbara ‘Baxbara’ Moagi and Tulz Madala
22:00–00:00 Savage Nights – Thabo X and Shamiso
THURSDAY
22:00–00:00 – On the Streets with Major Steez
FRIDAY
20:00–00:00 – Hype Factory with Hype the Innovator
SATURDAYS
06:00–09:00 – Wake N’ Shake with Sizwe M
09:00 – 10:00 – Ready, Set, Hired with Noni Khumalo
10:00–14:00 – The Mass Takeover with KMass
14:00–17:00 – Supreme Saturdays with Thabo X
17:00–18:00 The Rizz – Munaka
18:00–20:00 – All Girls on Deck with DJ Fae Fae
21:00-22:00 – Karma Karma Radio with Shimza
SUNDAYS
06:00–10:00 Sunday Feels (Part 1) with Sizwe M
10:00–14:00 – Sunday Feels (Part 2) with KMass
14:00–16:00 – The Global Experience with Just Mo
16:00–19:00 – Sundaze with Fif_Laaa
19:00–22:00 – The Agenda – DJ Sliqe & Roiii
