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In brief:
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A.K.A.:
Koula
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What do I do?:
Stateside Connection with Koula (On air presenter)
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Go-to feel-good track:
The Killers — All these things that I've done
How did you get into radio?
I started out on campus radio (RAU Radio) back in 2000, then got involved in in-store radio (Edgars Music Radio) the following year. The week after graduating from RAU (now UJ) at the end of 2002, I started working at 5FM. I hosted various shows across the station for almost a decade before moving to 94.7 Highveld Stereo. I had several shows on 94.7 before I moved to the USA in December 2012. During my time in the States, I hosted podcasts for several local companies in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, and was on air on JackFM in Dallas. Having two sets of twins within 22 months (the second set being born a week before COVID hit this side) forced me to reassess my work direction for a few years. I started up a home bakery three years ago that has been both a wonderful creative outlet, and a successful venture. But I am so very excited to return to South African airwaves once a week on 919, to have that connection with a format that I love, in a country that will always be home!
What do you love about working with 919?
It's still early days for me at 919 but I love that it's a Joburg station -- one of my favourite cities in the world! The staff that I have worked with so far have been fantastic, and I look forward to getting to know everyone else -- even if remotely, from Texas!
If we say Joburg, what comes to mind?
Vibrant, dynamic, cosmopolitan. People with a spirit and energy like no other place! A sprawling, beautiful city where innovation thrives.
Where are you based, and what’s the route you travel to get to the station?
I am based just outside of Fort Worth in Texas, USA. I walk to my remote studio set up in my home, and am thankful for technology that I am able to broadcast live from TX straight to Jhb.
What do you get up to when you’re not doing your show / working at 919?
I run a home bakery specialising in wedding and birthday cakes. Also chaos co-ordinator for my two sets of twins!
Who are your favourite artists and genres?
90s and 00's alternative and indie rock. Muse, The Killers, Foo Fighters, Green Day... I could go on and on.