WeeklySA_AdminVISTA:Thirty years of dedication to jazz and radio climaxes to long-overdue international acclaim
By Gugu Sibiya
One of the country’s foremost jazz royalty, Brenda Sisane, has been inducted into the Hall of Fame. This is the news that has been embraced with excitement by fellow broadcasters and jazz aficionados conversant with hurdles females on radio have to put up with.
A real trooper, Sisane has been lauded for her contribution and staying power in an industry known for chewing and spitting its own yearly. One of the few women on the jazz arena, she consistently delivers great music, wealth of education and entertaining information around her subject. She does not confine this gift to the studio, spreading joy to those whose lives she touches.
Chatting about her deserved accolade, Sisane says: “For the past 20 years, there are committees that look at suggested radio personalities and voices that have been in the industry for 30 years, for submissions. Once they’ve made the cut, they’re asked to submit an essay about their work for perusal. Their focus is on people whose programmes go a long way into making a difference in their society. As far as veterans go, they look at how they’ve impacted communities in a profound manner.” Exuding youth belying her three decades behind the mic, the Queen of the Airwaves acknowledges how these awards have validated a lot of industry players. More so, to veterans whose experience is largely unappreciated. “Radio is exciting with all the risks Jocks incur. Understanding that our contracts are renewed annually, comes with DJs’ commitment to consistently keep the magic that make our programs spectacular, going. You only have a year to impact,” she states, suggesting that those who sign on the dotted line show their grasp of the game.
“I know why I’ve enjoyed my job. I’ve left issues to being just that, issues. I don’t allow anything to get in the way of my career. If you enjoy what you do, with all its ups and downs, and you’re getting awarded by people who recognise you’re giving it your all, then it’s worth it.
“Realistically, radio is a complex industry. For the duration of your employment, you remain a part-time worker with an uncertain future hanging over your head. Every year you prove why they should retain you. Simple things like getting a bond becomes difficult since your job is viewed as risky,” she says, alluding to the lows.
On the upside, she beams: “All those people that are listening to your voice, thinking and the way you tackle issues, will leverage opportunities you never dreamt of. They’ll take you to spaces that align beautifully with what you do, but might never had access to, had it not been for the platform you’re on. “I’m passionate about music, especially jazz. There’s always a take-away from that. It makes me push harder to look at ways to sustain the genre on radio and job spin-offs from that. Sadly, seasoned industry players are pushed to the back or left by the wayside. These are talented individuals with a proven track record. Their minds are still razor-sharp. So, embracing innovation and changing with the times, is the way to go,” she offers.
Touching on the gender hot potato, Sisane says, “As a community we need to find a place for women in our society. In the olden days, roles were clear. Men were hunters while women stayed at home. Women now need to relook their roles as contributors, and good ones, at that. This, ‘women must know their place,’ must come to an end. It’s so bad that even when opportunities arise, men always call each other and exclude women. “Unless the roles issue is solved, we’ll never see an end to inequality or ills like gender-based violence. Men’s marches and calling each other out, are critical. As much as not try to change us. Gone are the days when women were expected to tackle issues such as maternity or plastic surgery. They’re doctors who are experts and qualified to talk about those subjects on their shows. Why people enjoy suppressing others, is a mystery,” she insists, calling for gender roles to stop.
“There’s talk about digital integration. We all have to plug in, deal with how digitising can enable us to reach other people as well as producing solutions that benefit us. I want to work with young people even if it’s behind the scene. We can learn so much from them. They have so much potential. A bit of grooming here and there will enhance that.”
Sisane’s career owes its origins to a Rand Show hustle during the 1976 Soweto uprisings. “I was recruited for an airline. An opportunity that opened a door to travelling and studying. Already a senior when I landed a PR gig, I ended up with a hotel group. Somebody was impressed with the way I was interacting with the guests, so they recommended me for an audition with Radio Bop.
“The station liked what they heard and, just like that, I was in. I was young, fearless, ready to take risks, so I moved to Mmabatho in Mafikeng. Unlike TV with all its expectations, I love radio,” says the girl from Meadowlands, who was in a club listening to music with friends, unaware that she was paving her path to being a jazz guru.
“In our industry communication is key. So is improving to move with the times. My first love will always be radio and I appreciate all the people who tune in for my shows,” says the lady whose dignity and passion for her job has just made her the royalty of the airwaves.
