Languages: 
An analytical chemistry graduate’s knack for creating explosive musical blends has seen Ndevana-born Ntando Kondo swapping his lab coat for a mic and mixer with great success over the last two years.
Kondo (24), affectionately known as DJ Ntambanani, was recently nominated for this year’s edition of the South African Tradational Music Awards (SATMAs) in the “Best Traditional Community Radio” category following the immeasurable success of his maskandi music show called ‘Sgida Ngengoma Kwantu’ which airs on Kumkani FM ever Saturday from 3pm to 6pm.
“This nomination is truly an honour and blessing because not everyone got such recognition. I’m mainly thankful to my listeners who believe in me and keep voting for me so I can represent my province,” said Kondo.
He attributes the show’s success to the independence and creative licence he enjoys courtesy of the station – the freedom to compile, produce and conceptualise the feel and direction of the show.
The immense effort and resources invested by listeners into ensuring that his show is nominated through votes is not lost on Kondo, who in turn has dedicated the nomination to his listeners.
“Though a maskandi show, I ensure that even the non-maskandi lover gets hooked onto the show through my efforts to give listeners the best entertainment through news, information and music. The show also invokes feelings of pride and joy in one’s tradition and culture,” he said.
Like so many who’ve chosen to follow the maskandi route in radio, Kondo’s biggest influence was the legendary Umhlobo Wenene traditional maskandi radio personality Saba Mbixane.
He describes Mbixane as a “salesman of maskandi”.
“I started listening to this genre of music around 2006 thanks to the infectious and addictive Saba Mbixane. His ability to grab my attention and maintain that attention through humour, information and knowledge about maskandi was incredible,” said Kondo.
This year’s SATMAs are set to take place in the North West city of Mahikeng on 28 September and people can vote for Kondo by SMSing SATMA185 to 49495.
