After months of speculation that radio duo Thomas Msengana and Skhumba Hlophe are leaving Kaya 959, it has finally been confirmed that they are not.
Read more: Kaya FM Reacts To Rumours That Thomas And Skhumba Have Been Fired
In a statement shared with TshisaLive, Kaya 959 revealed that the duo will not be leaving the station, but have been given new time slots and a new show. Thomas and Skhumba now host the Last Call which broadcasts Monday to Thursday, at night from 10pm to 12AM. Again on Fridays from 9pm to 12AM.
Hosting the breakfast show is Dineo Ranaka and Sol Phenduka with the show 959 Breakfast from 6AM to 9AM.
Giving reasons for these major changes, Sibongile Mtyali said, “These adjustments to the line-up are proof that 25 years since its founding, Kaya 959 is still alive to market demands to consistently provide quality programming. The addition of established names such as Dineo Ranaka, Sol Phenduka, Khaya Mthethwa, and Mo and Phindi, as well as the realigning of our magnificent existing talent are bold steps that Kaya 959 is undertaking to grow the radio station to even greater heights.”
When quizzed previously if they let Thomas and Skhumba go, they said, “As a competitive business, we proactively assess our business position from time to time, if our assessments point to any required shifts in the line-up, we will hold engagements with the affected talent, and any announcements to the public will be made when the time is right,” said Kaya959 MD Sibongile Mtyali in a statement to TshisaLIVE at the time.
Read more: Kaya FM Reacts To Rumours That Thomas And Skhumba Have Been Fired
In a statement shared with TshisaLive, Kaya 959 revealed that the duo will not be leaving the station, but have been given new time slots and a new show. Thomas and Skhumba now host the Last Call which broadcasts Monday to Thursday, at night from 10pm to 12AM. Again on Fridays from 9pm to 12AM.
Hosting the breakfast show is Dineo Ranaka and Sol Phenduka with the show 959 Breakfast from 6AM to 9AM.
Giving reasons for these major changes, Sibongile Mtyali said, “These adjustments to the line-up are proof that 25 years since its founding, Kaya 959 is still alive to market demands to consistently provide quality programming. The addition of established names such as Dineo Ranaka, Sol Phenduka, Khaya Mthethwa, and Mo and Phindi, as well as the realigning of our magnificent existing talent are bold steps that Kaya 959 is undertaking to grow the radio station to even greater heights.”
When quizzed previously if they let Thomas and Skhumba go, they said, “As a competitive business, we proactively assess our business position from time to time, if our assessments point to any required shifts in the line-up, we will hold engagements with the affected talent, and any announcements to the public will be made when the time is right,” said Kaya959 MD Sibongile Mtyali in a statement to TshisaLIVE at the time.
Rumours of their exit was reported by a Sunday World source, “That is if they agree to the terms of their new contract. You can’t be paid the same when you are presenting a graveyard slot. If they fail to find each other, they will, unfortunately, have to leave at the end of this month," said a source.
When Dineo left Metro FM she said a new opportunity presented itself that she could not resist. “After 4 years, Dineo Ranaka’s time at Metro FM has come to an end. Her last show on air will be on Friday 17th June 2022. This comes after a fantastic opportunity presented itself and the timing could not have been perfect for Ranaka.”
“The road does not end here for Dineo in radio. Details pertaining to her new radio home will be shared in due course. She will also take this time to work on her music career and the OpenID podcast. Following the warm reception Ukhona featuring Nokwazi received from her fans, Ranaka plans to release her second single in July 2022,” the statement continued.
In an interview with Drum Magazine, she described her time at Metro as amazing, “My time at Metro FM has been nothing short of amazing and adventurous. I have enjoyed both my relationship with management, colleagues, listeners, as well as advertisers. It has truly been beautiful. An opportunity to expand myself has been presented to me and it was one I couldn’t resist.”
Image credit: Instagram @Kaya959
When Dineo left Metro FM she said a new opportunity presented itself that she could not resist. “After 4 years, Dineo Ranaka’s time at Metro FM has come to an end. Her last show on air will be on Friday 17th June 2022. This comes after a fantastic opportunity presented itself and the timing could not have been perfect for Ranaka.”
“The road does not end here for Dineo in radio. Details pertaining to her new radio home will be shared in due course. She will also take this time to work on her music career and the OpenID podcast. Following the warm reception Ukhona featuring Nokwazi received from her fans, Ranaka plans to release her second single in July 2022,” the statement continued.
In an interview with Drum Magazine, she described her time at Metro as amazing, “My time at Metro FM has been nothing short of amazing and adventurous. I have enjoyed both my relationship with management, colleagues, listeners, as well as advertisers. It has truly been beautiful. An opportunity to expand myself has been presented to me and it was one I couldn’t resist.”
Image credit: Instagram @Kaya959