His dream was to be part of a radio station he loved all his life.
So when Bryce Clarke found out two years ago he’d been hired by radio station YFM to work as a DJ on the graveyard shift, he was overjoyed.
This week the Potchefstroom-born DJ became the first white DJ to ever host a primetime slot on YFM since the station’s inception.
Also known as DJ Ankletap, Clarke will now host The Tap Mansion Show, between 12 noon and 3pm.
“It feels amazing for me to have achieved all that I have in the last two years of me being on radio and I hope to keep moving forward as a jock,” Clarke said.
“Growing up I have always been in touch with both white and black cultures and I see myself as very much a part of the new generation of South African youth, so being the first ever white guy to get a prime slot on the station is obviously a very special feeling. I hope that I will be able to pave the way for the future.”
Clarke’s new position is one of many changes YFM made this week. DJ Tholi B will take over the afternoon drive-time show, while Musa Mthombeni, former Voice of Wits DJ and one of South Africa’s most recognisable faces from his days as a YoTV presenter, will be joining the station. Also joining the team is actress Thando Thabethe, of SABC1’s My Perfect Family fame.
YFM bid farewell to Dineo Ranaka, its afternoon drive-time DJ for three years.
Clarke said he wasn’t nervous at all at the prospect of taking over his new position.
“I don’t think nerves will be an issue. It’s a much bigger show with a bigger platform but that will only push me to achieve my best,” he said.
“I think the butterflies one gets before a show is about to start is what makes being on radio such an amazing experience.”
Clarke admits that he “absolutely loved” working the graveyard shift at the station.
“I really loved my midnight slot, I used it as a chance to really connect with the listeners and grow myself as a broadcaster,” said Clarke.
“YFM has always based itself on the ability to find and produce new young talent, and they have given me the chance to prove myself on the big stage.”
Clarke, who speaks fluent Tswana among several other African languages, said he had always been a huge fan of YFM.
“When I was first approached to join the station it felt like my dreams had really come true. This is the greatest youth platform in South Africa and what more can one say when you are at the centre of it. It’s a very proud feeling.”
Clarke said his fans could expect a fun show.
“The Tap Mansion is a fun- filled place that will take the listeners to that comfortable place, the perfect lunchtime destination for everyone. Lots of energy and laughs can be expected over the three hours of the show.”
Besides being a radio DJ, Clarke is also a deep house music producer and will be releasing his own album soon.
He said he would be using his new position as an opportunity to grow his skills as a DJ.
“It’s an awesome chance for me, I am ready for it and really excited.
“My family have always been amazing; they are so supportive of me and my career. They are all very proud of me and the new slot.”
Asked what was the biggest challenge he faced moving from the graveyard shift to a prime time slot, Clarke said his patterns of sleep would need to drastically change.
“I feel like I travel the world and have constant jet lag,” said Clarke.
“Having moved through the different ranks in radio so quickly I have often had to make quick sleeping patterns so this time around I am looking forward to getting a full night’s sleep for a change.”
Saturday Star