Radio firecracker Lucky “LTK” Komanisi is the undisputed champion of afternoon drive and he has two consecutive accolades from SA Radio Awards to show for it.
The 35-year-old entertainer has been shaking off PBS radio for the last six years, piloting Motsweding FM’s afternoon drive show, Gotetsa Mosha.
As the captain, he has spearheaded with a combination of natural charisma, authentic engagement and carefree fun. All of that have climaxed into eargasmic pleasure and immeasurable escapism for listeners on weekdays between 3pm and 6pm.
No wonder the SA Radio Awards couldn’t resist his charm for two straight years by rewarding him with the gong for best afternoon drive presenter. Heavyweights Biziwe Masango (Ikwekwezi FM), Amaza Ntshanga (Umhlobo Wenene FM), Thabo Wa Mo-Afrika (Thobela FM) and Ntombi Meso (Radio 2000) were vying for the same award.
But in an era where social media popularity is an influencing factor for securing premier radio gigs, what does receiving such recognition twice mean for a masterful broadcaster such as Komanisi?
“The competition is stiff in the industry and colleagues from other stations are putting in the work, so the recognition has a stamp of approval to it,” Komanisi replies.
“There are days when you feel that you didn’t dish out the best content and awards sort of validate that you are one of the best in the game.”
While Komanisi’s magic on air is undeniable, he believes that no man is an island. He credits the show’s producer Thapelo Nkutha and on-air contributors Lucky Tlale, Refilwe Mogomotsi and Nelly Moruri for always having his back. The team lost out on the award for best afternoon drive show to Amathunzi Anabile on Ikwekwezi FM.
“The relationship that I have with the listeners is top notch, it makes my job easier and I’m able to relax more. When you relax you are able to think and reciprocate the energy you are getting from your listeners,” Komanisi shares.
“Radio is spiritual and therapeutic to me than just being behind the mic. I speak to people’s hearts and not minds, that way I’m making a lasting impression because what stays in the mind is easily erasable, but what sticks to the hearts stays there forever.”
Komanisi answered his radio calling in 2007, first hosting Friday and Saturday night slots on community station Mahikeng FM, before moving up the ladder. He recalls volunteering for free for a period of four years before he was offered a stipend.
“It was an interesting start for me because I began by doing party time shows and the station management was very encouraging to have given me their biggest shows as a newbie,” Komanisi says.
“They later took me to a jazz show as young as I was. From there I moved to a hip-hop and later reggae shows. All those shows played a part in opening my eyes about the art of radio — that one has to be multi-skilled and not one dimensional.”
In 2010, Komanisi decided to enhance his radio skills by studying a BA degree in communication at North West University. Upon graduating in 2013, he applied to be Mahikeng FM’s station manager and got the job.
After a year as station manager, in March 2014 he traded the office desk for the studio mic when he returned on air with regional commercial station North West FM. He did afternoon drive show for six months before he was promoted to their breakfast show.
In early 2015, Komanisi was offered an afternoon drive show on Motsweding FM and he has never looked back.
“As a station manager the biggest lesson I learnt was people and talent management. It’s one of the most difficult things because you are dealing with different personalities, some are older than you, some are your peers and these are the people you used to work with on the same level,” Komanisi says.
“We used to chill together and talk about our ambitions, now they have to report to you. But above all, I learnt to just be patient with people.”
Komanisi was born in Matlhonyane, in Mahikeng, but later moved to Stilfontein, near Klerksdorp.
“Being a village boy, TV was not very popular where I grew up, but radio was very influential. The internet wasn’t big then and we relied a lot on radio for information,” Komanisi confesses.
“In the morning and evening radio would always be there. We will listen to dramas, news and obituaries. So, being in that environment and listening to those fascinating voices on radio instilled something in me.”
The father of two boys says at home he’s nothing like his on-air alter ego and regards himself as an introvert. You will find him reading a book and he’s now reading Good Morning , Mr Mandela by Zelda La Grange.
“People also expect me to be in your face when you meet me in person, but I’m quite chilled.”
Komanisi’s dream is to broadcast his show on a boat cruise.
Fact file: Lucky “LTK” Komanisi
Favourite food: Dombolo, trotters and mogodu
Favourite actor: Lawrence Maleka
Favourite radio star: Cebo Manyaapelo
Favourite movie: The Lord of the Rings
Favourite emoji: Blushing emoji
Top three songs on my playlist:
Holy by Justin Bieber featuring Chance The Rapper
N12 by Prince Kaybee featuring Afro Brotherz
Mr. Carter by Lil Wayne featuring Jay Z
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