Ezra 'Tshisa' Sibanda applies for a radio licence

Ezra "Tshisa" Sibanda has applied for a radio license to try and quench his thirst of promoting arts especially in Bulawayo. 
This is the second time that Ezra is trying his luck to get hold of a radio licence. Ezra and his long-term friend and colleague Erick Knight once applied for a radio licence when the coalition government opened the sector three years ago, but only two licences for ZiFM Stereo and Star FM were approved. 
The duo also ran an online radio station VisionsFM.
This was amid charges the licensing process lacked transparency as the two stations were allegedly aligned to Zanu-PF.
Bulawayo's most sought after radio and television personality has applied for a regional commercial radio station so as to pursue his life-long dream of adding value to Zimbabwean music.
Of the more than 25 regional radio station licences that are to be approved, Tshisa hopes to get a licence to set up one for the Bulawayo region.
"As a son of Zimbabwe, I welcome the opening up of the radio station licences. Three years ago I did apply for the national radio licence but did not manage to get it and this time I have applied for the second time and hope to get it. It will be a Bulawayo Commercial Broadcaster which will valorise Bulawayo artistes and revamp it. The radio station will also cater for areas outside Bulawayo," he said.
Tshisa requests prayers from the Bulawayo community so that he acquires the station and put Bulawayo on the map as the entertainment hub once again and also help struggling artistes to earn a living out of their God-given talents.
Tshisa said if granted a license, his radio station will be guided by the Broadcasting Services Act prerequisites that require 75 percent of local content, a tenet he says will further assist in promoting local music.
"The radio station will adhere to the dictates of Government. It will not only play 75% local music and end there, but instead some of its programs will promote indigenisation, will build the nation and develop it. The programs will be those that preserve our Zimbabwean culture, our languages and out traditions. The station will also cater for all age groups from the young to the very old," Tshisa added.
In 2013 year, Sibanda ventured into politics and campaigned to become a Member of Parliament under the MDC-T ticket but the former ZBC DJ lost to Zanu-PF's Josphat Madubeko.