“Everything that’s happened in my life, I saw it happening first in my mind.”

– Mzo Gumede

In this heartfelt episode of the Incredible Machines podcast, we sit down with radio icon Mzo Gumede to explore his journey from the sugarcane fields of KwaZulu-Natal to the heights of South African radio stardom.

Mzokhona “Mzo” Gumede, is a celebrated South African radio DJ who’s built some of the country's most iconic radio shows. Creating the highest-rated breakfast show on commercial radio, Mzo’s story is one of vision and a relentless pursuit of purpose. With decades of radio experience under his belt, his voice and presence have shaped morning routines and captured hearts across the nation.

Key Highlights from Episode 32

1. Your Circumstances Don’t Define Your Potential, Your Vision Does

   Mzo’s passion for radio began in his childhood, where a small FM radio was his only escape from manual labour on the family farm. He knew from as early as 8 years old, that he wanted to be a radio presenter, and his unshakable vision became his compass through adversity, isolation, and discouragement.
   
   

2. Let Passion Fuel the Hustle
   

   When Mzo moved to Durban after matriculating, he had no plan B. He squatted at a radio station and dropped demo tapes everywhere until he finally landed a show at Durban Youth Radio (DYR). His story teaches us to start with what you already have, even if it’s just a phone and ambition.
   
   
   

3. Built From the Ground Up 

   At Gagasi FM, Mzo almost doubled the station’s breakfast show listenership in a single year, thanks to hands-on community engagement, including personally visiting local hotspots and building relationships across KwaZulu-Natal. Grassroots work builds loyal, local communities that engage meaningfully.
   
   
   
   

4. The Power of Social Media

   Mzo was an early adopter of social media in the radio world. He these platforms to test content, engage new demographics, and stay relevant across age groups. Mzo remained adaptable by bridging generational gaps and landing brand endorsements outside traditional radio.

Advertising Campaign Spotlight: Kulula ‘Jetsetter’ Ad

In this episode, Mzo unpacks his love for a classic Kulula Airlines rewards ad, where a fan stalks her favourite artist using flight rewards. For Mzo, this ad is a nod to the role that audio and jingle ads played in his upbringing and how effective messaging sticks with people for life.

What We Can Learn from Mzo Gumede

• Start with what you have, even if it’s just a phone and a dream.
• Build your brand outside the mic by being present and active in your community.
• Feedback fuels growth: talk to your audience, not at them.
• Social media is a useful method to amplify your brand; be adaptable with the tools it has to offer

Watch the Full Episode

To hear Mzo’s full story, including his candid take on family, failure, and the future of African media, watch the full episode on YouTube or stream it wherever you get your podcasts.