Power FM will start broadcasting on June 18. (AFP)
Power FM was awarded the last available FM radio frequency licence by the Independent Communications Authority of SA in 2011, but the lineup has been kept secret, despite those involved dropping heavy hints on social media in the months leading up to the launch.
The station will start broadcasting on June 18.
Power FM announced its lineup on Wednesday morning at a press conference and tweeted the announcements as they were made.
The weekday breakfast show (6am to 9am) will be hosted by Siki Mgabadeli, Lawrence Thlabane, Andrea van Wyk, Ferial Carelse amd Thabisa Mosia.
Former 702 presenter Eusebius McKaiser will host a daily talk show from 9am to noon. This will put his show in direct competition with Redi Thlabi's 702 talk show.
Azania Mosaka, formerly of Metro FM, will present a daily lunchtime show from noon to 3pm.
Chris Vick will host a daily "Power hour" from 6pm to 7pm on weeknights, with Owen Nkomo hosting a business show every evening. Masechaba Lekalake will then take over from 7pm to 9pm.
DJ Franky will host the Power Lounge music show from 9pm to midnight.
Author and columnist Ndumiso Ngcobo will present a late night show (midnight to 3am) on weeknights.
Weekends will feature Top Billing presenter Ursula Chikane (3pm to 6pm). Media personality Pabi Moloi will host an evening show on Fridays and weekends (6pm to 9pm).
The big comeback name is Paul Mnisi aka Rudeboy Paul, who will host the weekend breakfast show between 6am and 9am.
There was great excitement on social media around the launch, with many personalities adding their congratulations and support to the station.
Congratulations @mkharigiven & @powerfmgp team on your upcoming launch. All my friends on the line up, congratulations & may your star rise
— Redi Tlhabi (@RediTlhabi) June 5, 2013
Ferdinand Mabalane, who was involved in the establishment of Kaya FM and Botswana's GABZ FM, will be Power FM's station manager.
The English-medium, talk-based commercial station aims to attract urban listeners between 25 and 49.
The station is owned by MSG Africa Investment Holdings, led by Given Mkhari, who will act as chairperson of the station. Stakeholders include Ndalo Media, led by Khanyi Dhlomo and Zico, led by Sandile Zungu.
The consortium also owns Capricorn FM in Limpopo, which launched in November 2007 and has a listenership of more than 1.5-million.
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