ZiFM star-studded

The new 24-hour station hit the airwaves at exactly 12 noon on frequency FM 106.4 for Harare and its environs and is already beaming at other frequencies around the country through its 25 transmitters. And since then, radio has never been the same again.
ZiFM is a privately-owned radio station whose parent company, AB Communi-cations, is a wholly-owned Zimbabwean entity. What makes the station different is that it has secured the services of people from diverse backgrounds – not just radio DJs, producers or journalists.
Some of the radio personalities have had experiences in other countries in Africa, Europe, Australia and beyond.  Apart from that, some brand new talent, of people who had never been on radio before, have been incorporated. Among them are such names as Tinopona Katsande, aka, TinTin, who acted as Joyce on the local soap, Studio 263, Mr Wonderful, Xavier Kamundaya, a down-to-earth radio personality, who is so much inclined to his audience.
“I love radio because it connects me with people I have never met and with people I might never meet at all,” he says.
Enter Lorraine, popularly known as Lo. She says she entered this industry because she has always loved music and radio.
Evangelista ‘Evey sees radio as a platform to showcase her talent. Known as a television personality, she says she wants to earn her place on the airwaves too. Other personalities to look forward to are well-known club DJs T-Bass and P-Styles.
News anchors include Cordilia Masalethulini, who grew up listening to ZBC’s Radio 3 and had always a passion for radio. Her degree in drama and fine arts landed her a spot on television, although she believes, “There is no such thing as being qualified, one just has to be passionate.”
AB Communications’ CEO, Supa Mandi-wanzira, who was ecstatic about the whole project was one of the first people interviewed by Tony and Eve soon after the launch. He said when the company was granted a license in November last year, it took them a whole eight months to organise this “great team”.  He thanked all those who helped to shape up the station.
“When we started, many people doubted us but we are thankful to the Almighty who gave us strength to carry on. On most occasions we would leave this place at 1 am,” he said.
He believes the licensing of new stations in Zimbabwe opened up the airwaves and gave more opportunities to talented Zimbabweans.
“I also want to thank ZBC and the competition for inspiring us. We’re going to write our own history. Our vision it to become the ‘Finest and most serious station’ and we are going to be on top of our game.”
He adds the station unique is that it will have wide interaction with its listeners who would determine the kind of music and programmes they want to hear. In addition to being an entertainment station, ZiFM would feature talk shows on various topical issues.