A visionary collaboration with the revolutionary The Black Power Station, this one-of-a-kind dialogue is more than just a conversation; it’s a celebration of how radio and the arts echo, influence, and inspire one another. From the mic to the mural, the beat to the broadcast, join us as we explore how these powerful mediums shape culture, amplify voices, and create new frequencies of creative and economic expression.
Radio is not just a carrier of sound; it’s a vital force in the business of the arts. It gives artists exposure, curates platforms for performance, archives creative legacies, and connects art to audience across lines of geography, class, and access. In a digital age where connection can feel diluted, community radio remains a bold, intimate, and transformative space; rooted in people, purpose, and possibility.
At the helm of this powerful and much-needed dialogue is none other than Unathi Koboka, RMR Station Manager and a true force in the media landscape. If you’ve ever been looking for a woman who gets the job done - and then some - look no further. Unathi is a rare powerhouse: a qualified sound engineer, versatile broadcaster, facilitator, accredited assessor, translator, transcriber, and seasoned voice-over artist. With an unwavering love for community development and a deep understanding of radio programming, production, and management, she’s been working behind the mixer and in front of the mic for years. She is also the founder of The Amai Academy, an initiative focused on uplifting the next generation.
Unathi's journey - from quiet schoolgirl to debate champion, from voice dreamer to media trailblazer, and now station manager - is a testament to passion, persistence, and purpose. She lives radio not for the limelight, but for its power to change lives, and her work proves it. And she won’t be alone. Unathi will be joined in conversation by a panel of seasoned media and radio colleagues; forces with over 20 years of experience in the broadcast and media space. These are the behind-the-scenes innovators, producers, and creatives who discreetly play the media chess game with strategic brilliance and creative flair. Together, they’ll unpack how the airwaves and the arts collaborate to create, inform, disrupt, and empower.
This is not just another talk. It’s a convergence of know-how, heart, and lived experience. A gathering of minds who understand the delicate dance between creativity and communication, performance and platform. Join us as we critically engage in the future of radio in the ever evolving digital age. This is a not-to-be-missed event. The wealth of knowledge, behind-the-scenes insight, and practical wisdom shared in this space will resonate with artists, broadcasters, cultural workers, and anyone invested in the future of storytelling.
Production Credits
Presented by Rhodes Music Radio & The Black Power Station
Facilitator: Unathi Sonwabile Koboka - RMR
Panelists:
Tyson Mqoma – Marketing & PR Specialist | Music Industry Expert
Philakwezwe Dlamini, aka Phila Koshin-Producer & Musician
About the Artists
Philakwezwe Dlamini, affectionately known as Phila Koshin, is an ardent arts enthusiast. His journey into the entertainment industry began with the release of his debut recorded album at the age of 16, although it did not achieve significant success. By 17, he transitioned to television, which ignited his aspirations to make a mark in the music world.
Phila relocated to Durban, South Africa, where he began his career at Durban Youth Radio as a presenter and producer. He subsequently joined SABC as a producer, exploring various opportunities within the industry. During a hiatus from radio, he signed an artist to EMI Music, which propelled him into music production and touring, including an opportunity to feature in Pharrell Williams' African tour.
He later took on the role of sound engineer at the Playhouse Theatre in Durban, where he combined his extensive knowledge of theatre with music design. The allure of radio drew him back, leading him to Gagasi FM as a Production and Music Manager, and eventually as Broadcast Manager. After a decade with the station, he decided to focus on his own company, ICON PB, where he signed and marketed artists such as Sands for the album "Sands of Time," as well as Amanda Mo and Beast.
Currently, Phila leads his team in film projects, contributing music for productions like "Deep City," "Isitha," "Uzalo," "Shaka iLembe," "The Wife," and others. He is responsible for all music and sound elements for most of "Uzalo" and various other productions from Stained Glass, Black Brain Productions, and Netflix. His notable contributions include hits such as "Tigi" by Sands, "Hello" by Sjava and Beast, and "Bhampa" by Kings of the Weekend, as well as "Spirit" by Dearson.
Tyson Mqoma – Marketing & PR Specialist | Music Industry Expert
Tyson Mqoma is a seasoned marketing and public relations specialist with an impressive track record in the South African music industry. With extensive experience across major record labels, Tyson has established himself as a strategic force in artist promotion, brand management, and music marketing.
He began his career as a Promotions Manager at 999 Music, where he honed his skills in building artist profiles and executing high-impact promotional campaigns. His passion for music and deep understanding of audience engagement led him to work as a Promotions Specialist for EMI, TS Records, and Universal Music Group, where he played a key role in elevating the visibility of both emerging and established artists.
Expanding his expertise into marketing management, Tyson served as Marketing Manager at Bulldawg Records and later at Wisdom Entertainment, where he was instrumental in crafting innovative marketing strategies and partnerships that enhanced label presence and artist reach.
Currently, Tyson Mqoma is a Marketing and Public Relations Specialist at Universal Music Group, where he combines his industry insights and communication expertise to drive compelling campaigns, foster media relations, and shape narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
Known for his collaborative spirit, visionary approach, and dedication to the growth of the African music scene, Tyson continues to make a meaningful impact behind the scenes.
- Venue: The Black Power Station
- Location: The Old Power Station
- Programme type: The Fringe
- Genre: The Black Power Station Session
- Duration: 120 minutes
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Ages:
PG (PARENTAL GUIDANCE)
