DJ Montana graces the radio waves
When Tinyiko Montana's mother passed away in 2002, the family lost their sole breadwinner, however that did not stop Montana from dreaming to one day become a radio presenter
LIMPOPO – Montana (30) is a radio presenter at Malamulele FM (Mala FM 101) and is popularly known by her fans as DJ Montana Montana.
She was born in Sekhunyani outside Giyani, where she lived with her mother and three siblings. Her mother was a domestic worker, but passed away in 2002 when Montana was just 16 years old.
She said her love for radio started while she was still in high school and she was inspired by the likes of Conny Mashimbye and Rose Ngoveni from Munghana Lonene FM.
“My love for radio started when I was doing Gr 11 at Sikhunyani High School. I found inspiration from strong women in the industry as during those days opportunities for women to work as radio presenters were very limited. After I completed Gr 12 in 2005, I attended the University of Venda where I completed a degree in media studies, and when I came back I was told about auditions that were about to open at one of our community radio stations, Mala FM, so I went and auditioned. Soon after the auditions I was called for training and got the job, the rest is history.”
She started representing the Mala FM afternoon drive show and has been a part of the station since it first went on air.
“My role model is Khenzy from Capricorn FM, I like the way she interacts with her fans and the type of music she plays on her show. One day I want to see myself presenting at one of the national radio stations or even at a commercial radio station. Somewhere I would be able to interact with millions of listeners across the country,” she said.
Mala FM station manager, Morris Ximbyana, described Montana as someone who loves her job and is very punctual, disciplined and dedicated.
Montana’s elder brother, Goodenough Montana, described his sister as someone who grew up listening to radio and it comes as no surprise to him that she is a well-known radio presenter in both the Giyani and Malamulele areas.
“My sister grew up loving radio and I’m not surprised today that she is one of the best and respected radio presenters.
“I strongly believe that she will present on one of the national radio stations one day,” he said.
