The Sunday News
Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday Life Reporter
FIVE years ago, with the world gripped by the Covid-19 pandemic, The Kasi Princess, known popularly by the acronym TKP, slipped into depression.
For those who had followed her on radio, where she formed a riotous partnership with then co-host Babongile Sikhonjwa at the infancy of Bulawayo’s first commercial radio station, Skyz Metro, this seemed like an unbelievable turn of events.
On radio, TKP was a live wire, transmitting currents of joy and excitement to listeners across the City of Kings.
It seemed hard to believe that this was the same person now who found herself plunged into the dark pit of depression.
Even though she was a ray of sunshine to many who tuned in to escape the darkness in their own lives, the media personality and house musician felt that she was at a crossroads in her life.
She doubted herself and she doubted if her chosen career path would yield the results that she desired in life.
Within two days of leaving radio, she found herself in South Africa, where a job in marketing beckoned.
“My professional journey has predominantly been on the corporate side, focusing on marketing and advertising. I founded an advertising agency and took charge of the marketing department at a Homeopathic Services Clinic. Additionally, I worked with a beverage brand as a brand strategist and marketing consultant,” TKP told Sunday Life in an interview.
Whether in music or on radio, TKP, a one-time Zima nominated musician, has been sorely missed on the city’s showbiz scene. Despite spending an extended time away from radio and music, she said she had used her time away to learn valuable lessons that allowed her to also re-imagine what her future might look like.
“The Covid-19 pandemic brought significant changes, especially in work models, and some businesses faced challenges. Fortunately, the organisations I collaborated with didn’t close entirely, but rather provided valuable lessons on adapting to new life experiences.
“Now, armed with these insights, I’m returning to Bulawayo, eager to contribute more to our city. Combining my business acumen with my radio presenting skills, I aim to create a positive impact. I’m keen on forming partnerships that benefit both local talent and businesses,” she said.
After five years in the corporate wilderness, TKP believes she has found her voice again and is now ready to give in to the requests of fans that have been clamouring for her return to the airwaves.
“During my brief hiatus, I realised the importance of looking out for others. Inspirational friends like Joyful Ncube from the Joyful community and the Nobuhle Virgie Foundation motivate me to extend my support even further. Since leaving radio, I’ve received encouragement from numerous people to make a comeback.
“Now feels like the perfect time, driven by both professional aspirations and personal conviction. Negotiations with leading stations are underway, and radio is where I truly belong. Upon my return, I engaged in discussions with various brands, including those I previously served. Exciting projects are on the horizon,” she said.
In her absence from the airwaves, TKP has seen her former colleagues continue to soar. Sikhonjwa, with whom she struck a memorable partnership, has since joined Zimpapers’ flagship radio station, Star FM where he has continued to thrill listeners with his humorous take on broadcasting.
Their success, TKP said, had also fuelled her desire to return to radio.
“Regarding Babongile, I’m thrilled to see him continue his radio journey at Star FM. I trust he’ll add value to the station and ensure our region’s achievements receive the spotlight they deserve.
Our past collaboration resulted in vital interviews that occasionally still resurface on social media platforms.
“As for co-hosts, let me share my thoughts on Bkay. Our time together on “Rea Vaya Drive” left a lasting impression. Bkay’s hardworking nature and penchant for planning align perfectly with my approach. I even envision hosting an outstanding podcast alongside Bkay,” she said.
TKP said radio was always in her blood, which was why inevitably, she is now on the road to rekindling her love affair with the medium.
“Zenzele Ndebele gave me my first radio gig at Radio Dialogue in 2015. I was doing sound engineering at Ingwe Studios at the time and I called him one day after we’d started lessons but I just needed to know more about the job opportunities in that sector and he said, ‘Wow your voice. You have a radio voice.’ I went for auditions, and he handed me over to Lesley Zibonele who was impressed by my confidence on the mic and that was it. I always knew from a young age that I’d end up on radio but for me, it was my retirement career. But God had other plans and it came early,” she said.
As a Skyz Metro alumni, TKP has the honour of being one of Cont Mhlanga’s last students, with the arts doyen putting the finishing touches on a talent that went on to thrill listeners over the airwaves.
“When I wanted to join Skyz I auditioned. I queued all day like everyone else but when it was my time to audition uKhulu Cont paid so much attention to me and asked so many questions and I knew I was in the right path. Afterwards, he coached me a lot. He always wanted to listen to my shows and give me feedback. I can imagine what he’d say now because the last time we spoke he said come back home ‘Mam Ndlunkulu’ which is what he called me or jeki sometimes,” she said.
For TKP, a return to radio means embracing a platform that she fell in love with and one that loved her back. It is a medium that brought ultimate satisfaction to her and without which, she struggled to find a compass to guide her life.
“Radio means connecting with our hearts. It’s so genuine. And it’s just your personality that people love so when you know that people love you it’s genuine love because they just have to hear that love through your voice, feel your smile and hear what you can about them, I can’t explain it but it’s so pure,” she said.
