Master Mat's voice steals Vhembe FM listeners' ears

Azwipfali Matsea, better known as Master Mat, aka The DJ of The DJs, has made a name for himself as he continues to mesmerise radio listeners here in Vhembe district and beyond.

He hosts Mathaga Avenue, which is a drive show, on Vhembe FM on Monday to Friday between 15:00 and 19:00. According to him, at his love for radio started with his love for music. He grew up surrounded by good music, which his mother used to play on a portable music system for him.

A resident of Maungani village near Thohoyandou, Master Mat stated that he had always dreamt about music. “I grew up loving radio and my mother used to play me good music because she had realised from an early on that I was fond of music,” he said. “So, it was no mere luck that I landed a slot on Vhembe FM, even though my journey didn't start there. I had my genesis at Makhado FM in 2013 when I was invited for auditions. I passed my auditions and they gave me a chance to become a radio presenter on the spot, where I hosted Weekend Drive Show.”

He completed his Grade 12 at Kolokoshani Secondary School at Ha-Mangilasi village and went to study media at JCCCS College in Pretoria. In due time, he completed a national certificate in journalism and a national certificate in advertising.

He stated that he was further inspired by the mighty Dj Fresh, Tshifhiwa "DJ Smiley" Simali, Big T, Tosh Gill, Brown Face and Shandukani "DJ Shhhh" Lukhwareni. “I continue to get motivation when I associate with colleagues such as DJ Mawelewele, who inspires me a lot,” he said. “I used to send him my clips for constructive criticism while he was still with Univen FM and his responses were always heart-warming.”

He said he considered himself fortunate as a radio presenter since he worked in the company of radio legends such as Jimmy "JI" Netshilulu and Martha "Double M" Makhela.

“My journey was not easy, though. I had to prove that I was worth being on radio,” he said. “I worked twice as hard to find myself where I am today. Therefore, I can only advise the young ones out there to work hard and focus on their education and chase their dreams. They must not give up on their dreams because no one will fulfil their dreams for them.”

Entertainment - Date: 09 March 2019

Tshifhiwa Mukwevho

Tshifhiwa Given Mukwevho was born in 1984 in Madombidzha village, not far from Louis Trichardt in the Limpopo Province. After submitting articles for roughly a year for Limpopo Mirror's youth supplement, Makoya, he started writing for the main newspaper. He is a prolific writer who published his first book, titled A Traumatic Revenge in 2011. It focusses on life on the street and how to survive amidst poverty. His second book titled The Violent Gestures of Life was published in 2014.

Email: [email protected]