An exciting new podcast focused on self-discovery for South African youth has launched (10 August 2022). Jacaranda FM’s JacPod and East Coast Radio will host the first-of-its-kind podcast and provide access to the inspirational audio series –‘Don’t hold back – say it loud’ –for as many of Mzansi’s youth as possible.

After more than 20+ hours of in-depth interviews with South African youth, ‘Don’t hold back – say it loud’ addresses their most concerning needs by employing a user-centred approach – from battling debts and suffering gender-based violence, to toxic relationships and fighting depression. “The data collected to produce the podcast really highlighted that urban South African youth often feel isolated in their issues.‘Don’t hold back – say it loud’ was crafted as an audio companion to help Mzansi’s youth find their own path, but with real-world anecdotes and advice that they can put into practice every month.” Says Deirdre King, Managing Director at Jacaranda FM.

 “The target audience interviews revealed a youth demographic and psychographic that all marketers could be creating solutions for” adds King. ‘Don’t hold back – say it loud’ will target urban youth aged 20-35 who are usually the breakout start of the family (first to be University educated). These youth feel a lot of pressure to start a successful career from their families who live in rural communities and want to learn how to develop their careers and personalities whilst dealing with the pressures of their studies. Some of the youth are already listening to podcast to start their day with positive energy as they battle anxiety and depression with little or no access to professional help.

 “Kagiso (Jacaranda FM and East Coast Radio), with its very successful and sophisticated media offerings, is an ideal partner for a digital partnership. As a long-time correspondent, South Africa has become a second home for me, so I am particularly pleased to start the first ever joint podcast in Africa right here – in Mzanzi, where the pulse is ticking.” Comments Claus Stäcker, Director of DW’s African Programmes. The new Podcast will be presented by well-known activist –Nozibele Qamngana-Mayabaas she creates a safe space to discuss contentious and taboo issues that matter to young South Africans. Episodes seek to inspire and encourage listeners through personal stories of the guests, sharing their stories of overcoming adversity, and in so doing – empowering young listeners to do the same.

 In the series, Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba talks to notable South African thought-leaders, activists, and influencers on controversial topics that have a personal connection to each guest, either through their profession or their experience. “This international collaboration is a first of it’s kind on African soil, and we are so honoured to be Deutshe Welle’s production and distribution partner in Africa. It’s also really exciting to present the youth with an audio companion, backed by data, and produced with the utmost care, “ adds King.

FORMAT

 The format is relaxed but the content is Gucci and informative. If you think ‘Gucci’ was a reference to Italian fashion label – this podcast probably isn’t for youJ. Guests’ kick-off the show by sharing a special snack and drink with Nozibele. The snack and drink relate to a special memory that the guest shares with us as they start to unpack the topic of the Podcast. Each podcast ends with a fun rapid-fire question session where the guest has 10 seconds to answer set questions from Nozibele.

‘Don’t hold back – say it loud’ is both an audio and video production, with the video for each episode dropping a week after every Podcast is released. In the launch month, episode 1 and 2 will be released on 6 and 13 July respectively. Thereafter a new episode will drop every month until season one concludes in March 2023.

TOPICS TO EXPECT

• “How I used sport to overcome my battles with depression” with Patience Ramavhale (activist and sports coach)
• “I optimized my life by banishing my drinking habit” with Clive Vanderwagen (coach and mentor)
• How do we make good financial choices with Bronson Friedman (financial guru)
• Why gender-based violence plagues our society with Lonalinamandla Bawuti (anti- GBV activist)

KEY FACTS

• Coproduction of Kagiso Media (Jacaranda FM and East Coast Radio) & Deutsche Welle and is the first international broadcaster collaboration on African soil
• The Podcast is hosted at Jacaranda FM studios in Midrand, Johannesburg
• Urban South Africans aged 20 to 35 is the target audience for the podcast
• Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba, the well-known YouTuber and Activist will host the first season
• Subjects are diverse and include gender-based violence, finance, mental health, depression, and toxic relationships to name a few
• Language: English
• Length: 20-30 mins each episode; the first season has 10 episodes
• Rhythm of publication: monthly on all podcast platforms 

ABOUT NOZIBELE QAMNGANA-MAYABA

 South African presenter Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba is famous for her HIV/Aids activism and YouTube channel. After her own diagnosis with HIV in 2013, Nozibele made it her mission to hold open conversations about her journey living with HIV. Now a published author and respected authority on the subject, the 31-year-old’s work was named as one of the web’s Top 15 HIV YouTube channels. With her direct, engaging, and empathetic hosting style, she is the perfect fit to address taboo topics – and to say: Don’t hold back!

Photography: Courtesy Images