Azania Mosaka is changing frequencies

At its launch, the new radio station’s impressive line-up of radio veterans included author Eusebius McKaizer, journalists Siki Mgabadeli and Asanda Magaqa, and former TV journalist McIntosh Polela – all of whom left, reportedly because of contractual disagreements.

According to a statement by Power FM, Mosaka left “to pursue her business interests“.

But Mosaka says it was more than just her growing nail salon business that made it necessary for her to resign.

“After being at Metro FM for so long [more than a decade] Power FM was a new challenge I felt I needed,” says Mosaka. “But I became increasingly frustrated with some of the conditions I was working under. I just didn’t have the stamina to deal with it.”

Miss Salon London, a store owned by celebrity Azania Moasaka is pictured in Parkhurst, Johannesburg, 15 January 2015. Picture: Tracy Lee Stark

One of these frustrations was her time slot, she explains.

“I’m a working mother and a business woman, so juggling between being at the nail salon in the morning and then rushing to get to the station became a bit much.”

But leaving Power FM did not mean Mosaka was saying goodbye to radio. Just weeks after leaving Power FM, Mosaka was approached by Talk Radio 702 to do a weekend breakfast show with Africa Melane.

“I never declare finality on anything I do in my career, so after leaving Power FM I knew I would be back on radio at some point. It’s the same with television,” says the former TV presenter. “I haven’t been on screen in a long time, but if the right opportunity comes I won’t say no.”

Goods for sale are pictured at Miss Salon London, a store owned by celebrity Azania Moasaka in Parkhurst, Johannesburg, 15 January 2015. Picture: Tracy Lee Stark

Melane and Mosaka host what the radio station’s website describes as a “edgy and fresh Weekend Breakfast on 702 and Cape talk between 6am and 10am on Saturdays and Sundays”.

Speaking about her newly opened nail bar, Miss Salon London, Mosaka says it felt like “a natural next step” for her.

“I think I was a beautician in my previous life,” she says with a laugh. “The idea of a small nail boutique where people can relax, have a drink and get their nails done has always resonated with me. Getting your nails done is about the entire experience – and that is what Miss Salon London is all about.”

Businesswoman Basetsana Khumalo and television presenter Minnie Dlamini have become regulars at the salon.

Mosaka laughs as she talks of people’s reactions when they see her working in the salon.

“I am very hands on, so when it gets really busy I help the beauticians and buff my customer’s nails. People expect me to be a diva, but I’m not,” she says with a laugh.