Tuesday, 25 August, marks the 2000th episode of SABC 2’s youth show, Hectic Nine-9. One of its most instrumental presenters, Ayanda Makuzeni, has told ZAlebs that there’s a lot to look forward to in this special episode.
Ayanda recalled his first day on set and describes it as one of the biggest highlights of his career.
“My first day on set was back in 2007 and it was so nerve-racking! Because it was my first time on TV being a presenter, but my family, especially my late dad was so supportive. My community in Khayelitsha were also rooting for me because one of their own was finally putting Khayelitsha on the map.”
Ayanda also had one word to describe Tuesday afternoon’s 2000th episode for those who are not planning on missing it.
“It’s going to be hectic! Excuse the pun.”
Hectic Nine-9 is also set on bringing bands like Freshly Ground to perform their new material and also inviting viewers who have been there since day one.
Ayanda is also known as the bubbly, flamboyant presenter on the show who has never shied away from being different. We asked the presenter if he has ever felt the need to not be himself in order to get TV gigs.
“Never, I’ve never shied away from being myself that would be like cheating myself, you know when you love what you do and you’re known for what you do because of your unique personality, then why should I shy away from being myself?
"The reason why I’m still on air and why I think I’m still relevant to the South African viewer is because of who I am. The South African viewers have loved me because I have never, ever cheated them. Usually when you find presenters that it’s your usual characters. No production or broadcasting house would ever hire a gay presenter and let them be themselves, but the SABC did.”
Ayanda also surprised us by mentioning that he'd love to see himself acting on Generations: The Legacy one day.
"I see myself presenting my own lifestyle type of show and delving more into acting and radio. I’d also love to see myself in soapie’s like Generations, playing a totally different role to who I am. I want when people watch me to be like…’Haai man, is that Ayanda from Hectic Nine-9 ?’ So yeah, I want to be that type of character, like a villain."
Catch Ayanda and the rest of the Hectic Nine-9 crew this Tuesday as they celebrate their 2000th episode.
