Singh will have to wait three months to see if his application to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) for a commercial licence for Sunshine FM is successful.

Singh, chief executive of Videovision Entertainment and a founding member of Kagiso Media, said there was a big market and a need for a commercial radio station targeted at the Indian community.

"Right now, it's all under development, but it will be something that is very exciting, very fresh and very new," said Singh.

"When you look around the world, particularly in Dubai and London, there are commercial radio stations that are very exciting, and people of all race groups listen to them. There is also the Bollywood trend where there are not only Indians sitting in the cinema. It's a globalisation of Indian music and we felt that radio is a good medium."

He was aiming at creating a "fresher and hipper" station.

"There is a lot going on in KZN and I think that we will have an exciting time for listeners and us as the founders.

"Given that we are in the media entertainment business, and having had experience with East Coast and nationally with Kagiso Media in radio, we think it's an exciting opportunity for the province, the city and us."

As part of the bidding process, Icasa requires applicants to receive support from the community.

Icasa spokesman Josias Mathiba said panel would evaluate the applications, convene individual hearings with the applicants and take decisions within the next few months.