Lovemore Zigara, Midlands Correspondent
Metropolitan radio station, YaFM has launched a restaurant at its studios where various meals which range from traditional to exotic dishes are served.
The station which broadcasts from Zvishavane enlisted the services of its DJs and presenters who temporarily trade the microphone for pots, pans and aprons.
Named Radio Chefs, the restaurant is part of the station’s efforts to take radio to the people as its personalities will be dining with the Zvishavane community. It is during this time that people are given an opportunity to share their stories. Radio personalities who are spearheading the project especially during lunch time include Cholla Bag hosts, Ruvarangu Tichareva and Beauty “Gogo Beau” Chikonye, Davies Mugadza and Collen Nikisi.
Station manager Tafara Mbaya said: “When we first mooted the idea, most of our presenters were shocked. They not only felt we’d gone mad in search of money, but also that we’d moved away from our core business of broadcasting. “Since the launch of the station, there’s been a total rethink of our strategy towards community engagement.”
Added Mbaya: “In essence, the old radio is gone especially with the coming of social media. Audiences now demand not only to meet their favourite personalities, but to do so in a meaningful way.”
He said through this informal engagement, presenters showcase their other side.“This is where new stories emerge and friendships are forged.”
To further engage the community, YaFM is planning to introduce cooking competitions where members of the public will compete against their personalities.
“We’ll soon introduce competitions and encourage rediscovery of our traditional foods. Here we’ll challenge those who believe they can beat our DJs to come and challenge them and share whatever will have been raised that way.
“By doing this, we hope to empower the Zvishavane community,” said the station manager.