Zaba Interview
We spoke to Zabazile Simbine, a Dj from East Coast Radio. She recently got her own morning slot on the channel. This is her; this is what she’s about.
YV: Who is Zaba Simbine and why did you choose a media career?
Zaba: Well…Zaba is a 25 year old radio presenter based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. I wouldn’t say I chose a media career, media chose me. I was a model with Leigh Downing Modelling Agency from the age of three and was “trained” to be an entertainer since then. I was actually in varsity studying a BDS (Bachelor of Dental Science) until the radio bug bit. 
YV:What challenges did you face at the begging of your career?
Zaba: Sjoe, what challenges didn’t I face hahaha! Well, in the beginning I worked for DYR 105.1FM and I co-hosted breakfast. I was 18, I didn’t have a car as yet, and we didn’t get paid. So my allowance went to bus fare etc. on days when my father couldn’t take me to work. I’d have to be there by 05.30 every day. Those challenges helped me learn the skill of determination and perseverance.
YV:What do you love most about radio?
Zaba: I love the spontaneity of radio; no 2 days are the same. And my listeners make the show extra fun. They’re always extra chirpy and witty.
YV: What makes your morning show different to all the others?
Zaba: My show is high energy and fun. In general, I’m a super energetic person and I don’t believe that just because it is early in the morning, one should be grumpy and not cheerful. The show’s energy is contagious.
YV: What’s the craziest or weirdest thing that’s happened to you during your new show on East Coast?
Zaba: Nothing so far, but when I co-hosted the Drive with Damon Beard, I once swore…ser azul…we made great fun of it!
YV:In a male dominated industry such as radio, how do you feel as a young black woman to have your own show?
Zaba: It’s such a surreal feeling. I can’t describe the magnitude of the task that has been bestowed upon me, directly and indirectly. Especially because little black girls out there will now be looking up at me saying; “If uSis’ Zaba can do it, so can I”. It’s also real humbling to know that I have been trusted with the task to take on the men and give them a run for their money! GO GIRLS!!!
YV: What inspires you the most?
Zaba: Life inspires me. It sounds like such a clichéd answer but for me, knowing that every day; I have 24 hours to do better than yesterday, that’s inspiration.
YV: What advice do you have for aspiring DJ’s or people who are trying to make it into the media industry?
Zaba: Don’t ever give up. It’s a hard industry to crack but when you do, the rewards are worth the sweat. And work on your craft, focus and pray.
YV: What are you listening to at the moment?
Zaba: I’m listening to everything. My playlist currently goes from Wiz Khalifa, to Katy Perry, to U2 and 340ml. But I play AKA’s Congratulate at least once a day.
YV: What do you look for in a relationship/bf?
Zaba: Good question, I guess the first thing would be the purity of a man’s heart, making sure he’s into me for me. Patience and understanding are important, especially with the fact that I work strange hours (functions, gigs etc.). He must be ambitious and God knowing too.
YV: Your house is burning down, what are the 5 things you’d save first?
Zaba: My dog, Roscoe. My Nokia Lumia, my ID book, my album (filled with pics, clipping etc of me from age 0 to now) and my car keys.
YV: Who is your local celebrity crush?
Zaba: HAHAHAHA!! Mr Me would kill me if I had to mention it…
YV: If you were to turn your name (Zaba) into an acronym, what words would you use?
Zaba: YHOO…ummm…Zulu’s Are Big Achievers…hahaha ngiyadlala…Zesty, Ambitious, Bubbly, Angel.
YV: How can your fans reach you?
Zaba: Twitter and Instagram ; @mynameiszaba
YV: What advice do you have for the youth of South Africa?
Zaba: The world’s belongs to you, go out there and be amazing. Don’t forget where you come from on your journey to greatness and don’t forget to pray, be humble and respectful.
Mbali Ntuli 
