1. Hi Nick, thanks for chatting to us…how is a day in your life like these days? What time do you wake up?
My day starts at 6am. I take a quick shower, drink some herbal tea (which is probably very Capetonian of me) and check in with the day’s news. I then head through to 5FM for my 8am morning show.
2. Why is that you had never been to Joburg before this 5FM gig? And how are you finding Johannesburg so far?
Growing up I was fortunate to travel South Africa extensively, but mostly to go on outdoor adventures. Hiking and camping have always been a big part of my life. I always knew ‘the big city’ would become my home someday though.
My experience of Jozi has been amazing! This town is built for people with big dreams.
3. Are you ever going to move back to Cape Town one day? I am sure you miss you the mountain, don’t you?
Cape Town will always have a special place in my heart, but I don’t plan on moving back anytime soon. Joburg is where I need to be right now. Perhaps when I’m old and rich I’ll go and retire under the shade of that mountain.
4. You are pretty talented, I think the correct word is multi-talented, when and how did you know that you wanted to do what you are doing right now? Radio, playing drums..etc.
I had no choice, music and performance were birthed into me. My dad was a gigging musician for many years, my brother is a professional dancer and my 65 year old uncle is a full-time DJ. My first job as a kid was earning pocket money playing in a Jazz band with mates. We were called the Zephyr Jazzmen and would play at bars, restaurants, parties and weddings. From there I progressed to the live act I have today. I’ve also always been a bit of a nerd. I’ve always been into acting, debating and performing which I did a lot of at school and varsity. Radio was a way to express all of my interests on one platform.
5. How far would you like to take this radio thing? Do you see yourself replacing say…Fresh or Roger Goode one day?
I’m incredibly grateful to have already landed a morning slot on national radio at 24, but my journey is far from over. Like those who have gone before me, I want to continue changing the game by pushing the boundaries. I plan on becoming one of the biggest names in the industry in the next few years.
6. What else are you passionate about? What other projects are you currently working on?
I’m working on an underground hip hop project with a Joburg based MC. This guy has amazing talent that I believe people need to hear. I don’t want to give too much away at this stage though.
7. You have done some rounds in Cape Town, going to different schools and talking to the youngsters there about drug abuse and violence, why is that kind of work important to you?
Engaging meaningfully with the youth has always been important to me. It’s not something I’ve focused specifically on doing in areas where learners are likely to be more susceptible to the vicissitudes of poverty and violence, but I do believe there is a greater incentive to engage with kids who do not have the same opportunities as others. My focus has always been on understanding and uplifting young South Africans by encouraging them to be and do more than others expect of them.
8. I read somewhere that you are into English Literature and Philosophy, so real quick…Ernest Hemingway vs Hunter S Thompson, who is a better writer?
Hemingway in the street
Hunter S. in the sheets.
9. A lot of young people don’t consume traditional media as much, all thanks to the internet and new media, how are you incorporating these shifts into your content creation process?
Broadcasters need to be mindful of the way in which communication is changing. It’s our responsibility to remain relevant by making it easy and exciting for people to consume our product. One innovative way I’ve achieved this is by incorporating the Hamman Time Hotline onto my show where user generated content is filtered through a Whatsapp number. People have more options for entertainment these days and I think that’s a good thing. I do consider myself to be in competition with other shows. I am in competition with the smartphones in my listener’s pockets.
10. Lastly, a few girls from the office and on Twitter asked us to ask you if it’s true that girls are throwing themselves at you now, is this true?
Haha! Yeah, it’s become pretty crazy. I must say I’m pretty flattered by all the attention though. For now I’m just enjoying it as much as I can and trying to navigate the tightrope between fans and stalkers. Thankfully I seem to be managing ok.