Former Eldos FM radio star Tyroline G Franks has joined Kaya 959 as a trainee. The bold, insightful and award-winning radio broadcaster takes over the airwaves on Saturdays and Sundays from 3 am to 6 am with a morning show accurately called G’s Up.
The move is part of a training development programme that has seen Kaya rope in a string of new and talented voices to the popular Gauteng station. Although Franks took over the reins on December 1st, she said the feeling is still surreal.
“We were told there would be the opportunity but I don’t think anyone took it seriously, we didn’t think we would get it. Even after I had sent the demo I was thinking ‘this is never going to work’ because I’m not getting a response. And then one day our programme manager called me to the office and told me I’d be starting in December. I walked out of that office bawling my eyes out and really that was the start of the journey,” Franks said.
Born and bred in Eldorado Park, Franks spent almost her entire post-matric life in community radio. It was at Eldos FM where her skills were truly sharpened. This was a time, she said, was crucial in setting the foundation of her growth. For budding broadcasters, she shared some advice.
“Don’t underestimate the value of humble beginnings. Don’t take the stepping stones as insignificant or for granted because that’s going to take you to the next level. Also, be patient with your journey, an opportunity can arise from anywhere,” Franks said.
New show alert!!!📻🎙️🔥♥️
So proud of my journey and how far God has carried me.
Check out the link to the full interview:https://t.co/Gpo5iN6rba pic.twitter.com/X9tmM10ZVp
— Tyroline G Franks (@tyrolinefranks) December 1, 2021
She is not the only new voice at Kaya hailing from Eldos FM, she is joined by another award-winning broadcaster in Xola Dlwati. Tyroline and Xola are also both graduates of the Wits Radio Academy. Their appointments are part of Kaya 959’s push to support local talent.
“Discovering and nurturing new talent is, for me, one of the cornerstones of radio programming. We should always be looking for fresh voices. With that comes different perspectives, fresh story-telling and new opportunities for aspirant presenters,” said Kaya 959‘s Commercial Programming Manager, Maekanya Morotoba.