The more she listened to jazz, the more the idea that it was meant for old people slowly stopped making sense.
It was a genre that seemed to have no rules, but one that made all the sense in the world for the media icon.
Radio host and former The Urban Jazz Experience presenter at Metro FM, Nothemba Madumo, has been in broadcasting doing different things – from sport, news, magazines, and current affairs.
But jazz is her first love and when she got her first radio show at Radio BOP when she was working at BOP TV, she was shocked because she didn’t know she could do radio, she tells Drum.
When she got the Metro FM show, she just thought that this was sent to me by God because she has done jazz radio ever since she started her radio career and moved to various radio stations hosting a jazz show, she has said in a previous interview.
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Speaking to Drum, after starting her new show at Radio 702 Nothemba says the station (Metro FM) decided on a new music strategy and jazz music was not part of their new direction. And when 702 asked her to join ,she accepted the offer.
“I have learned a lot, I am still learning today not only from the jazz artists but the experiences of jazz, events and I even go to jazz festivals outside of the country, so it has become part of my lifestyle," she says.
"And, because of the joy and appreciation I get from this art form, I want to share it with everybody for them to see what is great about it as I learn too.”
Every Sunday was a memorable moment for her, she reflects.
She used to look forward to indulging in the music and having interesting conversations with the creatives and the listeners who engaged with the show on Metro.
“I learned a lot from the listeners from their opinions on the conversations and the various jazz music styles. I have been very humbled by the support over the years from my listeners and grateful for the well wishes I received when I left but even more appreciative of their promise to follow me to my new jazz home."
However, she learned that her show allegedly didn’t have the numbers and was let go from the start at the beginning of the new radio year.
“My message is simply thanking everyone for the support not only to the show but also more importantly to the artists who make and share this music. Let's continue to buy their music and attend their performances and introduce the music to those who are not aware of the impact it has on everyone’s spirituality, mindset, and well-being.”
“I have had an amazing time presenting, producing, and compiling the music on the show. The opportunity made me grow and evolve with the art form and I met and made friends with many artists and those who play a significant role in other elements of the jazz community, from event organisers to authors, photographers, painters, music collectors, and most importantly the listeners who joined me in celebrating jazz, its creators and all that it represents.”
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She got the offer during Jazz Appreciation Month which makes it even more significant, and the show, Jazz and Beyond, will showcase the best in jazz from home and elsewhere and will honour what jazz brings to our lives, culture, legacy, and lifestyle.
“It is a different platform, a different audience, and a different culture and lifestyle but it will be inclusive to those who have been following my jazz shows throughout my career, and I’m looking forward to attracting new appreciators of jazz.”
She says her goal is to continue doing what she is passionate about and share the joy and fulfillment it gives her.
Nothemba is always for the artists, and she says she will continue to promote both the artists and the genre in every way possible.
“I’m grateful 702 and CapeTalk567 have given me the platform and opportunity to be part of their vision of acknowledging and celebrating jazz with its listeners and beyond.”
