5FM’s Nick Hamman set to walk to Polokwane

Kgaogelo Magolego

POLOKWANE – There will be a take-over in Polokwane this month, and no, it’s not Boko Haram or Isis, but the Johannesburg-based urban radio station which is mostly known for playing both “white” and “black” music.

5FM is making its way to the city from 29 April to 1 May as part of its Small Town Live Loud initiative, which entails flooding small towns with cutting edge entertainment usually reserved for big cities. This will see the station’s personalities host various gigs in Polokwane alongside a line-up of national and local artists.

One man who intends to have a unique experience is Nick Hamman, host of Hamman Time weekdays from 08:00 to 10:00. He will do so by walking from Johannesburg to Polokwane tomorrow (Friday) alongside his producer, Mad Money Mike.

He shares more about himself.

What qualifications do you hold and how did you end up in radio?

I’ve got a degree in politics and philosophy from Stellenbosch University. I’ve also studied as a musician, obtaining qualifications in percussive performance from The Royal School of Music. I began in radio in 2011 at MFM in Stellenbosch. It started out as a hobby, became a passion and then through years of hard work, became my life.

Your show is currently, without fail, the most energetic show on radio. Regardless of how you feel, what motivates you to make the show exciting and interesting?

The short answer: I get to wake up every morning and do what I love. That keeps me inspired. I once met a student in Bloemfontein who told me that for many months she had felt like getting up in the morning was too much of a challenge for her, but that since I had started my radio show on 5FM, she had a reason to get up again. During my two years at the station, I’ve received a number of calls, letters and e-mails similar to that. It’s more than enough motivation for me. People deserve the best, and I believe it’s my responsibility. South Africans have a right to great radio. And it’s my responsibility to give it to them.

You have said in past interviews that you intend to write a book. What will the book be about and  have you started to write it? 

I’m constantly writing. Everyday for my show, my team and I script new ideas and concepts. As for a book though, it’s still a project that I’d like to focus more of my time towards, and will hopefully do so in the very near future. I’ve started writing more articles again recently for various magazines and newspapers. I really enjoy writing about politics and South African history and culture. I’m sure my book will be about something to do with that.

You refer to yourself as a musician. Can we expect music from you soon? What genre will it be, and what will the inspiration be behind the music?

Throughout my life, music has been a massive part of who I am. Long before radio, I used to make pocket-money as a kid playing jazz in restaurants and at functions with my friends. I’ve played in every group over the years, from hip hop, jazz to rock. I took some time off to focus on my radio career, but now I am ready to jump back into my music. I’ve started producing again and working with friends in the game. I play mostly in the house space, still deeply inspired by my jazz routes. You can follow my musical journey on Snapchat and Instagram: nickhammantime.

What inspired the walk to Small Town Live Loud in Polokwane? Why not drive here a day before the event? How has the response been with sponsors pertaining to the walk? what does it say about your listeners, 5FM listeners in general?

Haha! Driving would certainly be easier, but definitely not as great an experience. I’ve always been an adventurer. Growing up, I spent much of my childhood hiking, camping and exploring our country. I believe South Africa is the most beautiful country in the world. By walking to Polokwane, we are going to be bringing the stories and challenges of our journey to our listeners. We want to help remind everybody how great and beautiful this country is. The response has been amazing! We’ve already had plenty of listeners offering us everything from emotional support to food and accommodation. We would never have been able to do this walk without South Africa’s support, but we knew we could count on our listeners, and so far, they have pulled through and got behind us in a big way!

What is a ‘normal day’ for you, particularly with the production of your show? How many people work on the show?

Hamman Time is a three person production. I host the show, Mad Money Mike (Mike Bossenger) is our executive producer, and Burn (Lyburn Geldenhuys) is our technical wizard. All three of us love radio and are constantly coming up with ideas. We communicate throughout the day, mostly on Whatsapp. Creativity never sleeps and neither do we.

How much attention do you pay to competition?

I keep enough of an eye on what’s out there, but I mostly do my own thing. There are many broadcasters in the game, whom I respect, and many who I know copy me. Both are motivation to keep working harder and doing better.

What makes you tick?

People who are different, and music I haven’t yet heard.

What do you think of South Africa, particularly regarding the participation of young people in nation building activities?

I think that as South Africans interested in building our nation, we all need to be active citizens. We’ve walked a long road, but the road ahead is much longer than many seem to realise. Young South Africans in particular need to understand their roles and responsibilities. I do not enforce or drive any agenda, and I actively encourage robust debate. I do however always push for citizens to be informed, to think and act rationally and to remain optimistic about our future.

Are you political?

I am, though I am not explicitly loyal to any party, and even if I were, I would not make that public. My loyalties lie with South Africa above anything else.

Are you religious?

No.

For more from Kgaogelo Magolego, follow him on Twitter: @thisKg