Their humorous statements and on-air “love/hate” relationship keeps listeners glued to 99FM every morning.
Sibongile ‘Sibo’ Tshabalala and Morris ‘Mo’ Kalunduka of ‘Sibo and Mo in the Morning’ have been throwing shots at each other (as if they are not on radio) every morning between 06h00 to 10h00 for almost two years now.
But the two are good friends for many years, which helps with how they gel on air, explained Sibo.
“I know where his bodies and skeletons are buried,” she quipped.
“We understand the concept of when job is job. What we do on air is intricately intertwined with our personalities and just who we are, as people,” explained Mo, adding that one of them could have a bad day the previous day and the other would recognise that instantly, “so we complement each other very well”.
Favourite
For Sibo, who has been with the station for eight years, and Mo (six years), their favourite slot on their show is before the news at 07h00 when they get to talk about each other’s “real thoughts on real things”.
“We get to touch base with each other and also open up the lines for listeners to call in to discuss sensitive or light-hearted topics, which brings in the human element,” said Sibo, with Mo agreeing instantaneously.
They create content that speaks to their listeners, especially sharing their real-life experiences that resonate with their age group.
“It’s all about having a deeper connection with your listeners because we are all on this life journey together. A lot of times, we have noticed that our personal stories connect us, as we see them (listeners) as human beings speaking to things that they are going through and vice versa,” Sibo said.
The duo’s chemistry and intangible mix of other personalities, experience levels and talent at the station have earned 99FM the title of Namibia’s Favourite English Radio Station on the Media Matrics Survey, conducted by Vision Africa for the year 2022.
The love for radio
Mo said radio has been a big conduit in the development of the way he thinks in order to relate, engage and communicate with people.
“If you can get into radio, please do so because of what it can do for your personal and professional development. It has been a gift that radio has afforded me in terms of reasoning and doing research always, which I will never take for granted,” he narrated.
Sibo said: “Radio chose me. In all the stations I have worked, I have been head-hunted, which I am grateful for. It has afforded me to be a great communicator, plus being a great connector with people because of the skills we have learned. I know how to talk to people, and how to sell myself or a situation. It has been a privilege to be on this journey”.
Advice to aspiring presenters
Mo advocates for the understanding of the basics, mechanics and psychology of radio “if you want to do a doubleheader or co-host a show with somebody”.
For Sibo, most work happens off-air than on-air, saying: “What you see on air is 20% of what has to go into it. The first thing is you should figure out your intention about yourself and who you are – and what the show is gonna be about. If you gonna have a co-host, sometimes you don’t have a choice with whom it is gonna be. You will need to respect the craft and your partner. Seek to understand your co-host better so you talk to them in their language”.
Other projects
Sibo also does stand-up comedy and is a copywriter, while Mo is big on business development and offers advisory services on development strategy while also doing television presenting.
He is pursuing B. Com law and other certificate courses through UCT.
– slunyangwe@nepc.co.na