'I will Trevor Noah this radio thing one day' — Inside DJ Sabby's global plans

"What Trevor did for SA comedy, I'm going to do for SA radio," DJ Sabby said of his new international collab.

DJ Sabby merges podcasting and radio with BBC Radio 1Xtra’s DJ Ace & New York's Power 105's Nyla Symone.
DJ Sabby merges podcasting and radio with BBC Radio 1Xtra’s DJ Ace & New York's Power 105's Nyla Symone. (Supplied)

Sabelo “DJ Sabby” Mtshali is looking to make a global impact with radio after teaming up with New York City Power 105’s Nyla Symonee and London’s BBC 1Xtra presenter DJ Ace.

DJ Sabby's Top 30-weekend show is reportedly the most listened to show on Metro FM, raking in over 1.1 million listeners, and the star is looking to expand his network, bringing together podcasting and radio.

The new segment sees the hosts link up to create content that will premiere across each of their respective radio shows.

The #OneLoveCrew airs in London between 00:00 — 02:00 every Sunday on DJ Ace’s show and broadcasts at 11:20am on Metro FM with DJ Sabby during the station’s popular Top 30. Power 105 is yet to confirm details for the New York broadcast.

“I was able to create a bridge for artists to talk to Africa directly. I created that entry point. I used to say that I would partner with them back when I was at Y. Fast forward to where we at now, I have a relationship with the stations.

“That's the power of you investing in your work, building communities here at home. It's always been part of the plan. My dream is to take SA radio to the highest. What Trevor did for SA comedy, I'm going to do for SA radio. I will Trevor Noah this radio thing one day.” he told TshisaLIVE.

“The idea is to create a bigger platform for artists. It's about creating content that will bring you closer to the music, the content that is exclusive. You have reason to listen to me because you listen to stuff which you haven't heard from anyone else.”

While many believe radio is dying due to podcasting, Sabby found a creative way to merge traditional radio with the new.

“For me, it’s all about being in the forefront of innovation and consistently reminding people that radio is one medium that is able to accommodate any change that comes with the advancement of humankind.

“Technology has enabled us to engage more and do it in real time. This idea is exciting because we’re bringing together the hottest markets in music right now, while keeping our audiences in tune with the hottest songs and what’s happening in our home countries,”

It's another step towards his pursuit of taking over global radio.

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