DJ Fresh replaces Gareth Cliff in high-profile slot

Thato Sikwane, aka DJ Fresh, is ready for the challenge. Sikwane will be taking over the popular Breakfast Show which Cliff hosted for seven years. And despite the immense popularity of the previous incumbent, he doesn’t feel intimidated.

“I’ve never done a show based on the person who did it before me,” he says.

“So I’m not feeling any pressure at all.”

Sikwane, who currently hosts the Fresh Drive on weekday afternoons, will be joined by Sol Penduka and Carmen Reddy, both of whom are new to the station.

“I have always enjoyed doing morning radio and the move back to the morning drive is a great opportunity to create content and entertain in a new space. I am excited about the new additions to my team,” says Sikwane.

The shift from the afternoon to the morning is not a big one for Sikwane, who hosted a breakfast show for five years on YFM.

“If you liked that show, you’re going to love this one even more,” he grins.

“This show is going to be like my previous breakfast show, but on steroids.”

The new breakfast show will also start at 5am instead of 6am.

“I don’t know if I’m a morning person or not,” Sikwane says.

“I wake up when I need to and I do what I have to do to the best of my ability – no matter what time it is.

“In the afternoons I was the guy who entertained listeners while they were driving home. I’m going to miss being that guy. But being on in the mornings means I can offer listeners a whole lot more.”

Taking over from Sikwane in the afternoon slot is Roger Goode, together with Sias du Plessis,

Vic Naidoo and Thando Thabethe covering the traffic.

Sikwane believes Goode is the best person to host the popular slot. “Roger is one of the few people who still go out of their way to create quality content for radio. I think he’s going to do a damn good job,” he says.

While the new breakfast show hasn’t been given a new name yet, Sikwane is adamant that it is going to be unique radio at its best.

“Radio is no longer what it used be because of the Internet,” he says.

“It’s been a blessing and a curse for our industry because shows are starting to sound the same because everybody is using the Internet as their source. I always try to make my show stand out by limiting the use of the Internet in that way.”

Speaking on what has kept him with the radio station for just over seven years, Sikwane says, “I was attracted to 5FM. It spoke to me as an urban radio DJ. It’s also a cool and sexy station to work for.”

Despite being one of the most sought after DJs in the country, Sikwane still wants do a lot more in the entertainment industry.

“I feel I still have a way to go – I’m still building the foundations of my career – so much can still be done. I like to push myself, the boundaries, and people’s perceptions of the boundaries,” he says.