Zanu-PF linked YA FM starts broadcast

YA FM, one of the newly licensed radio stations, will start broadcasting from Zvishavane tomorrow with Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Chris Mushohwe expected to officiate at the launch.

The station's chief executive officer Munyaradzi Hwengwere said they would go live at 2:30PM on FM frequency 98.1.

"We're excited that we're finally launching the radio station after being licensed by the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe in March. The Gold Rush hosted by Prominance Makaza and Audrey Ngwenya will be the first show to be aired at 2:30PM," said Hwengwere.

Entertainment at the launch will be provided by top Zimdancehall artistes, Sniper Storm and King Shaddy.

Hwengwere said the station - whose tagline is 'Pulse of the Dyke' - will be dedicated to the mining community as it will be their voice, tackling issues affecting them.

Veteran broadcaster Davies Mugadza, who was at Power FM, has joined YA FM as general manager and presenter.

"Mugadza will double up as general manager and presenter of our breakfast show from Monday to Friday from 6AM to 10AM."

Other presenters include Tawanda "DJ Pandemonium" Pande, Vimbai Beritah Chinembiri, Lesley Zibonele Moyo, Quinteen "Q" Songola, Phoebie Shamiso Chigonde, Gladys Shilini, Maureen Mushipe, Nomusa "Nomlee" Nyathi, Ruvarangu Rebecca Tichareva, Pinky Hazel Gawe and Fungai Linda Mawada.

YA FM's launch comes at a time when other licensed radio stations are finding it hard to take off citing financial challenges. The other stations that were licensed in March include Bulawayo's Skyz Metro FM, Breeze FM in Victoria Falls, Faya FM in Gweru, Nyaminyami FM in Kariba, Diamond FM in Mutare, KE 100.4 in Harare and Hevoi FM in Masvingo.