- Radio Eerste River, an online station in Eerste River, was founded in 2020 .
- Starting in a garage, it has grown significantly and now operates from Sanbury Square Mall, promoting local artists and empowering the community through job shadowing.
- CEO Joshua Kinnear and spokesperson Henry Prins highlight the station’s success in transforming lives, exemplified by radio presenter Mihlali Menzi’s journey.
Radio Eerste River the online radio station situated in Eerste River, is proud that they are not only bringing the music of local artists to the airwaves, but they are also empowering the next generation of radio talent.
The station started in 2020 when a local musical group called Azanian Flames sent their music to be playlisted on a local commercial radio station. The station rejected their music and the group got so despondent that they decided to start their own online radio station and called it Radio Eerste River.
The current CEO, Joshua Kinnear, started the station in his garage with the mission to provide a platform for local talent and artists to showcase their skills. The slogan they came up with was “Our Station, Our Talent, Our People”.
Since those humble beginnings the station has grown significantly, moving from its garage beginnings to its current studio inside Sanbury Square Mall.
Station’s success
According to Henry Prins, spokesperson for the station, the radio station’s success can be attributed to its dedication to promoting local talent through job shadowing and empowering it’s community. One such individual who has benefited from Radio Eerste River’s initiatives is Mihlali Menzi, better known as Bell J, the host of Kasi Flava. Prins says Mihlali’s journey reflects the impact that the station has made on the lives of local youngsters.
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“Born in Khayelitsha and currently residing in Mfuleni, Mihlali faced challenges after school struggling to find opportunities and pursue his dream of becoming an artists due to financial constraints. In September 2023, he joined Radio Eerste River where he was given a chance to explore his passion for radio and story telling. Initially uncertain of his path, Mihlali has found a new sense of purpose and direction through the station.
“Through his hard work and dedication he embraced the opportunity to become a radio presenter, channelling his creativity and energy into his programme Kasi Flava. Mihlali’s story exemplifies the transformative impact of Radio Eerste River on the lives of individuals within the community,” says Prins.
- For more information on Radio Eerste River’s activities send an email to admin@radioeersteriver.co.za or call 084 942 2192.
