Nomonde “Sky” Mlotshwa is known for her videos on social media and she will be co-hosting Radio 2000 with DJ Cleo on Friday night.
Since joining Radio 2000 earlier this year, musician DJ Cleo has been adding a new dimension to the Friday night radio experience through live performances from a range of artists on the show. Escareni Party.
For listeners, DJ Cleo, whose real name is Cleopas Monyepao, announced on social media that he would be welcoming four young co-hosts to his show for the month of August.
Poet Nomonde “Sky” Mlotshwa is known to many as a poet who has built a reputation through his videos on social media and live performances around the country.
Her followers knew she had dreams of becoming a radio presenter and tagged him in Cleo's posts to try her luck.
“A follower tagged me, so I posted and sure enough, I was one of the four co-hosts selected,” the poet from Tembisa said. The Citizen.
@nomonde_sky02 Tomorrow, August 23rd, I will be co-hosting a live broadcast with Dj Cleo on Radio 2000 from 10pm to midnight. Tune in, call in and good luck. Let's party 🥹🥹🥹 #EskhaleniParty #nomondesky #iam #word #radio2000 #levelup #levelupAfrica #RadioDreams ♬ Original Sound – Nomonde Sky
“There's a part in the promotional video I made with him where he says, 'The radio bosses might be listening,' and I'm hoping tonight the radio bosses are listening and I'll be hired on the spot,” she said, laughing.
Related article: Ahead of Soweto show, The Soil are 'amazed' by fan reaction to 'Reimagined'
Growth through social media
Mlotshwa has developed a passionate following through social media.
The topics she tackles are sometimes funny, sometimes serious, but her work is always painstakingly crafted, which is perhaps what makes her pieces so easily shared and rediscussed time and time again across various social platforms.
@nomonde_sky02 My beloved ex-boyfriend #sky #word #fyp #nomondesky #fyp #her #womensMonth #iam #tiktoklevelup ♬ Original Sound – Nomonde Sky
“Social media has been really important in getting me known to a wider audience. People share my work on their status and their friends get to know me if they don't know me yet,” Mulotshwa said.
She currently has over 300,000 followers on TikTok, and her poetry borders on social commentary through honest, gripping storytelling.
“The shares, likes and new followers have led to more shows and bookings. [that] We are scheduled to perform in Swaziland in September.
Besides writing poetry, Murotswa also works as a narrator.
“I've just done a voice-over job for an event in Manchester, so the work I'm getting is a sign of growth.”
She appeared on eNCA in celebration of Youth Month in June.
Mlotshwa is currently preparing for a show at King's Kraal in Bryanston on 29 August.
“I've got a tribute show in Swaziland on September 28 and in collaboration with Poets Cafe in Middelburg on October 26 in memory of the late great poet Sellou Mpungose. I also have some collaborations in the pipeline that will surprise people,” she said of her immediate plans.
Read now: Not sure how to celebrate World Folklore Day? A folklore festival could be a good start