DURBAN – Former top Ukhozi FM radio personality Linda “Mr. Magic” Sibiya has returned to the airwaves.
Sibiya, who unceremoniously left the SABC’s Ukhozi FM a few years ago, has joined the newly established Mvula commercial radio station in Newcastle, northern KwaZulu-Natal.
The station, which is the first commercial radio station in Newcastle and the fourth in the province, was founded by Phumlani Dlamini. The Newcastle businessman told the Daily News on Wednesday that he and Sibiya had already signed a deal and would start work on Monday.
Dlamini, who is in the trucking business and trading in traditional herbs, said he poached Sibiya to boost the listenership of his new station as Sibiya had a huge following on radio and TV.
“I need a top presenter like Sibiya to take my station to another level. I would not mind his cost because I poached him for his vast experience and his popularity on radio,” said Dlamini.
He added that Sibiya would take over the breakfast show, which aired from 6am to 9am, Monday to Friday, on April 4 and would also be responsible for training presenters.
Dlamini hoped his station would reach all corners of the province by May.
Sibiya confirmed joining the station but could not divulge all the details as he was busy recording in the studio.
He left Ukhozi FM, where he presented a breakfast show, after he fell out with the station’s management who accused him of entering into an R1.8 million deal with a retail company without approval.
He took his dismissal to court and was reportedly cleared by the court. After leaving the station he founded his online radio channel and also joined Vuma FM, which he later left.
Daily News