Interview With ZiFM And #TWZ DJ Eskay
Radio DJ Eskay is a household name thanks to the success of his show on ZiFM station. He recently made his Television debut on the Tonight With Zororo Show. Get to know the man behind the voice as Eskay opens up to us about radio, breaking into TV and his future plans.
Q: How would you best describe Eskay?
A: Creative, Humble, down to earth, lover of good music and good food.
Q: Did you always know you wanted to be a broadcaster growing up?
A: Yes I did. For the greater part of my childhood, while others were outside playing in the streets I was always in splendid isolation listening to Radio, fascinated by the voice in the black box that somehow had the ability to entertain me. I remember in my primary school days I would imitate the likes of Peter Johns, Hosea Singende, Kudzi Marudza, Witness Matema, Davies Mugadza to name a few when they were on radio back in the 90s. Even in high school I had some djing roles. Hartzell high school and Oriel boys high school. I became a music producer at 21 but still wanted to be the voice on radio.
Q: Did you attend music school or passion drove you?
A: Passion mostly drove me but I went to SoulCandi Music Institute South Africa to perfect my club djing skills but passion was always a factor in my path to broadcasting. Currently studying Journalism and Communication to perfect my on-air skills
Q: How did radio and ZiFM come about?
A: Radio Started by an invitation to be a broadcaster on an online radio station based in the UK by a Dj Lodza for Visions Radio owned by renowned broadcaster, Erick Knight. So I would say he discovered me. I learnt most of my skills from the General for about two years till ZiFM Stereo held Auditions.. I was confident I would get in so I sent my demos and they called me back. ZiFM identified me as a potential talent and slotted me on a midnight to 3am show for about 2 months till they moved me to prime time and now I get to host two very popular shows on the station.
Q: You also produce House music, why House music especially in Zimbabwe?
A: I lived in Johannesburg for 4 years. And I guess that’s where my passion for house music came about. However, I am also an R N B and soul music Producer, just haven’t been in the studio for a while but soon I will be getting back to my other love of music creation.
Q: What are some of the challenges you face as a DJ?
A: Coming up with the right content is a challenge especially with the kind of listeners I am appealing to. The content has to be just right, there cannot be any mediocre show..
Q: What do you enjoy the most about what you do?
A: I enjoy Changing lives. The feedback that says that a particular show gave someone a new perspective on love and matters of the heart is always priceless.
Q: How has #TWZ changed your career and do people notice you more now that you’re on screen?
A: #TWZ was an awesome opportunity presented to me by Zororo Makamba and it has given the listener a glimpse of the face to the voice. Career wise it has not changed much yet, hopefully by the end of the season it will. Personally though, I have enjoyed the journey and being on set has also made me realize that I actually like television so I may be continuing on the screen in the future.
Q: Would you encourage an aspiring DJ to pursue it in Zimbabwe?
A: Yes Definitely. Let your own people recognize and celebrate you before the rest of the world. Zimbabwe is pregnant with content, stories to tell, things to share. The temptation comes when one thinks of how much they can make in a foreign land which may be true but if you are passion driven you follow your dream and the money will follow you.
Q: What’s the one thing you’d change about the industry?
A: More Radio stations would be a good thing. Proper training of Djs would also be a real thing because some of the Djs have no real training and that compromises the quality of broadcasting
Q: Where do you get inspiration to keep going from?
A: From the listener. Radio is now very interactive with media platforms such as whatsapp, facebook, twitter, Instagram you name it. that interaction tells me if I’m doing a good job or if I have an impact on someone`s life and that inspires me to work harder, to search deeper and give meaning to every single show I do.
Q: Who are your top three radio DJ’s in Zimbabwe?
A: Kimble Rogers, Pathisani, KVG
Q: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
A: I see the brand Eskay in everyone`s conversations… the best DJ in the country and beyond. changing of lives through some of the projects we have already started on and above all i see us
Q: What’s your advice to the youth of Zimbabwe?
A: Do not waste time!!! The greatest tragedy is wasting time because we don’t have a lot of it in this world… so run with that idea or dream or passion and make it happen. Get someone to mentor you and guide you. This is not to say you become your mentor, but you learn from the leaders and you become at least 10% better than them. That’s the secret to success. Be humble. This industry can lead you to think you are the best there is and if you let this get to your head it is easy to fall. Stay humble regardless of how many fans you have or likes on social media. Stay humble and you will go far.
Q: Ladies would love to know if Eskay is single?
A: Just Married.
Q: What do you look for in a life partner?
A: The mind. A mind that compliments mine, a driven woman who has a passion for life. A woman who fears God and who pushes me and inspires me.
Q: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
A: Cooking, watching TV, writing.
Q: Your top three favorite chill spots in Harare?
A: Maestro, News Café , My house.
Q: Where can your fans reach you?
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Escape With Eskay
Twitter: @escapewitheskay
Instagram: @escapewitheskay
