DJ Cleo, born Tlou Cleopas Monyepao, is leaving Radio 2000 after a successful run on the station, with an AI-generated audio version of this story also available.
Key takeaways
- DJ Cleo’s final Radio 2000 broadcast is scheduled for August 22.
- He hosted The Eskhaleni Party after joining the station in April 2024.
- The programme earned a Telkom Radio Awards nomination during its first year.
- Cleo plans to concentrate on his music, degree, live performances and artist development.
- He said the Eskhaleni brand will continue beyond his departure.
DJ Cleo reflects on his Radio 2000 run
Cleo announced his exit on social media, revealing that he would present The Eskhaleni Party for the final time on August 22. He joined Radio 2000 in April 2024 and remained at the helm of the show throughout his time with the broadcaster.
Looking back, the DJ said he was proud of what the programme accomplished. Among its major milestones was a nomination at the Telkom Radio Awards, while he also highlighted his perfect attendance during his tenure.
He described the show as a distinctive programme that exceeded the key performance targets expected of him. Cleo also said he regularly covered for colleagues who were unavailable, handled those duties professionally and maintained a clean disciplinary record with management.
Cleo credited Tony Soglo and the station’s management for selecting him to host the programme. He said he gave the show its name, The Eskhaleni Party with DJ Cleo, and regarded its awards nomination after just one year on air as one of the defining achievements of his time at Radio 2000.
Addressing his colleagues, he thanked both those who worked closely with him and those with whom his relationship was less positive. He added that while listeners would miss his mixes and the show’s distinctive Eskhaleni character, he would feel their absence most deeply.
He also made clear that his departure does not signal the end of the Eskhaleni brand.
A new focus beyond radio
Cleo said the decision to step away from the station was straightforward. He wants to redirect his attention toward his music career, family responsibilities, academic work and his personal peace and mental wellbeing.
His plans include dedicating more time to his degree, live gigs and developing artists. Although he is leaving the programme, he stressed that he is not turning his back on the SABC brand or Radio 2000, both of which he said he holds in high esteem.
He described his time on the job as an amazing 28 months and said he would not undermine that experience by making further comments about the departure, either now or on any other platform.
