Music executive and controversial media figure Nota Baloyi has taken to social media to clear up widespread speculation regarding his alleged appointment as a radio host at Kaya 959, following the recent suspension of radio personality Sol Phenduka.
Rumours began circulating online that Nota Baloyi would be stepping in to fill the presenting gap left by Phenduka. However, the outspoken Baloyi quickly dismissed these claims, stating unequivocally that he was never in line to become an on-air talent at the station.
“Stop it… I was offered a radio station as in they want to give me shares, not a job. My job would mean hiring talents like Sol Phenduka. Please clear that up!”
With that statement, Nota Baloyi emphasized his potential role in the radio industry as a stakeholder and decision-maker rather than a radio presenter — a clarification that reshaped the ongoing conversation surrounding Phenduka’s absence and the future of Kaya 959’s programming.
The controversy stems from Sol Phenduka’s recent suspension from Kaya 959, a move that has left listeners and industry insiders guessing about what’s next for the station. While the station has not released a detailed statement regarding the suspension, the move has reignited debate around internal politics, presenter conduct, and programming direction.
In the wake of Phenduka’s departure, speculation about who might replace him grew rapidly on social media, with Baloyi’s name being thrown into the mix due to his media presence and frequent public commentary on the state of South African radio and entertainment.
Nota Baloyi: From Media Critic to Potential Media Owner
Nota Baloyi, known for his blunt and often divisive opinions on the music and media industries, has built a reputation as someone who doesn’t shy away from controversy. Whether weighing in on artist management, industry politics, or cultural commentary, Baloyi has often positioned himself as a truth-teller — even when it ruffles feathers.
Now, according to Baloyi himself, he is being considered for a stake in ownership of a radio station, which marks a significant shift from media critic to potential media mogul.
“People don’t get it. I’m not trying to be on radio to speak. I want to own and manage — that’s where the real influence is,” he posted in a follow-up tweet.
If true, this move could signal a larger ambition to shape the future of South African broadcasting, not from behind the mic, but from the boardroom.
Baloyi’s clarification has been met with mixed reactions online. Some users applauded his ambition to become an owner rather than a presenter, suggesting that black ownership in media is long overdue. Others questioned whether Baloyi’s outspoken nature and history of public feuds would make him a suitable figure for leadership in a media environment that often demands diplomacy.
“If Nota Baloyi owns a radio station, the content will be fire, but will it be sustainable?” one user asked on X.
“I’d listen just to see what happens,” joked another.
Industry professionals are also weighing in. A veteran radio consultant, who asked not to be named, said:
“Nota has the vision and certainly the boldness, but running a radio station is about more than being loud. It’s about audience engagement, advertising, compliance, and long-term strategy. We’ll have to wait and see.”
Whether Baloyi’s claim to potential ownership is concrete or speculative remains to be seen, but the conversation it has sparked touches on a bigger issue — the need for transformation in South Africa’s media space. As digital platforms continue to disrupt traditional radio, there is growing interest in who gets to own the narrative, not just deliver it.
Baloyi appears keen to take control of both.
In response to critics and supporters alike, he later added:
“Radio is dying because the wrong people are in charge. I want to change that. I won’t sit behind a mic and talk nonsense — I want to rebuild radio from the ground up.”
As the dust settles around Sol Phenduka’s suspension, it’s clear that Nota Baloyi has no intention of stepping into the presenter’s chair. Instead, he’s publicly positioning himself as a media owner and leader, reshaping the conversation about who holds power in South African radio.
While many await further developments — including official confirmation about the alleged radio station stake — Baloyi has once again ensured that his name remains in the headlines. Whether you love him or loathe him, one thing is clear: Nota Baloyi isn’t asking for a seat at the table — he wants to own it.
Source- Fakaza
