Broadcaster laments declining radio standards, quality of on-air conversations

Source: The Herald – Breaking news.

 Tendayi Chakanyuka 

Trust Khosa

VETERAN broadcaster Tendayi Chakanyuka belongs to a golden generation of radio presenters who touched the hearts of many with their exceptional skills.

Chakanyuka honed her craft under the guidance of seasoned radio professionals and, after graduating from college, knew that her passion lay in radio presenting.

Known by her moniker “The Sweet Thang,” Chakanyuka’s voice and pulsating presence on radio will be sorely missed.

Her engagement with listeners, fellow co-presenters, and guests was truly remarkable.

In her view, radio is not just a profession but a way of life; she believes it has propelled her to acclaim.

With nostalgia, Chakanyuka reflected on some of her best days on air alongside industry stars.

Like many, she had her role models in broadcasting, including Eunice Goto, the late Tsitsi Mawarire, and Kudzi Marudza—top personalities of their era.

“Those were the days when radio was still radio,” is a recurring phrase she uses whenever the topic of quality broadcasting comes up.

Chakanyuka has worked alongside several generations of presenters and has consistently excelled.

Sadly, on her 51st birthday yesterday, she expressed that she had lost her love for radio.

In a conversation with The Herald Arts, taking us down memory lane, she emphasised that her life would be incomplete without acknowledging her successful stints at Radio 3, later renamed Power FM, and Radio 1, now known as National FM.

While she also had a successful run on the soap opera Studio 263, many will remember Chakanyuka for her contributions to radio.

“I am passionate about radio, but I cannot listen to radio anymore.

“We are now lacking basic standards or rules in the profession,” lamented Chakanyuka.

“For starters, we don’t know where most of these presenters are coming from.

“Are they still receiving proper training in radio as we once did?

“Is it now just a matter of club DJs playing music for listeners without adhering to fundamental radio practices, like research?”

Although she believes the current generation of presenters can do better, she insists she has stopped listening to the radio.

“As a radio presenter, you have to talk to the listeners, but you can only do that after researching.

“It appears most presenters do not plan programmes, and you can easily conclude that some of the topics come up on short notice for those who listen to the radio.

“Nowadays, it is a matter of presenters talking about anything that comes to their mind on air, including mjolo and stuff,” bemoaned Chakanyuka.

The broadcaster, who made her name at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), argued that much work remains to be done to make radio enjoyable again.

While she does not wish to belittle the current crop of presenters, her call is for quality research, and engagement with listeners through radio programmes.

“We simply need to follow the rules and research before going on air.”

However, her “on-off” marriage with the ZBC started at the turn of the new millennium when the then Radio 3 rebranded and moved to Gweru.

“I could not move to Gweru because I was married. I stayed behind in Harare but remained in touch with my peers.

“I have always loved radio, and I knew I would bounce back and I did when they (Power FM) moved back to Harare,” she recounted.

True to her belief, Chakanyuka found herself a presenter at SFM (now Classic 263) in 2008 and later rejoined Power FM.

At Power FM, she made a formidable combination with Tinashe Chikuse among other presenters.

She had a brief stint at Capitalk FM, where she left in recent years to pursue other projects.

On her role in the soap opera Studio 263, where she starred as Aunty Mandy Huni, Chakanyuka revealed it was by default.

“I can say in 2002 I made my maiden role in the soapie Studio 263.

“I had never acted before, except for small roles while in school long back.

“During that time, I was only working at PSI. I later joined Small House Saga among other productions,” she shared.

A lady of many talents, Chakanyuka also featured in several theatrical performances after garnering experience at Studio 263.

“I had a stint in theatre where I featured in the late (Stephen) Chifunyise’s plays like ‘Lovers, Friends and Money’ and ‘Waiting for a New Constitution,’ among other productions,” remarked Chakanyuka, whose versatility has made her a top creative.

But her versatility, which saw her venturing into theatre, film, and television among other projects, means Chakanyuka will always be remembered as a radio personality with plenty to offer.

Coming from an older generation, her sentiments to urge the current crop of radio presenters to up their game carry weight.

Her reflections have sparked a fresh debate, rooted in her extensive experience as a lifelong radio personality.

Chakanyuka, who was the Best Radio Personality at the National Merit Awards in 2015, remains a role model to the girl child.

Her combination with the likes of Kudzi “Mr Kool” Marudza, Witness “Chuman” Matema, and Ronald “D-train” Chiwanza, will always remain a painkiller for old-school music lovers.

The mother of one was raised in Domboshava by strict parents who were both teachers.

She studied Mass Communication at Harare Polytechnic and further honed her skills as a radio presenter at ZBC.

Chakanyuka also studied marketing among other programmess.

Meanwhile, she is set to launch her book next Wednesday.

Initially, the book launch was set to coincide with her birthday yesterday.

“The book will be launched next week. As for the birthday party, it will be a family affair. I’m used to people spoiling me, especially when there are major milestones, like when I turned 40 and 50,” noted the proud broadcaster.

At 51, Chakanyuka is not asking for too much from the new crop of presenters, but rather for them to up their game