Everybody’s listening.
Words by Alex Gwaze (Curator)
Questions by Alex Gwaze and Joanne Peters (Image Coach & Philanthropist)
There are many reasons we might fear failure, but chief among them is the perception of others — how they see us, judge us, remember us, or value us after the fact. This daisy-chain of thoughts plants seeds of doubt in even the smallest actions. You can sing poorly in the shower or fall flat on your face at home without much concern. But imagine singing off-key on stage, crying, turning to run, and falling — hard — while twenty people record it and post it online. Suddenly, it lives forever-ever-amen in the digital abyss.
In an age where doubt often drowns ambition, presenter, singer, and brand ambassador Taboka Nleya has carved a bold path across the airwaves and beyond — fuelled not by certainty, but by courage and radiant energy. Known for her infectious warmth, sharp commentary, professionalism, and deep connection to community stories, Taboka has become a trusted voice in the city through her role as host of the Drive Time Show on Skyz Metro FM. But behind the microphone lies a story marked not just by triumph, but by trauma — challenges that could have easily let fear take over.
Taboka’s journey isn’t one of overnight success. It’s a story of grit, adaptability, lessons learned in silence, and the quiet defiance it takes to keep showing up. She holds an Honours degree in Media and Society Studies from Midlands State University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Media and Journalism at the National University of Science and Technology. Yet it’s not academic accolades alone that brought her this far — it’s the personal and social experiences that shaped her, especially her natural ability to create a safe space for her listeners. With every broadcast, Taboka proves that failure isn’t the enemy — it’s the training ground. In our conversation with her, we explore the moments that shaped her career, the dreams that didn’t pan out, and how embracing missteps and honouring your passions can turn lemons into an orchard.
JP: I heard you originally wanted to study Law but ended up pursuing Media Studies instead. What inspired that shift into radio, and how did you get your start in the industry?
TN: Yes, I originally wanted to study law, but after completing my A-levels, I didn’t have the required points for the programme. I ended up settling for Media Studies at Midlands State University instead. Honestly, throughout my studies, I never felt like I was in the right place. I wasn’t excited or motivated. To be honest, I wasn’t even inspired to shift into radio — it just happened. Everything changed when we took a module called Broadcasting, where I had to speak. That became my safe space. Later, during my third-year attachment at Skyz Metro FM, we mostly worked on writing stories, which wasn’t really my passion. Then, the executive producer insisted all interns go on air before returning to school. That’s how I got my first taste of radio — and I discovered something I truly loved. Being on air felt like home. It didn’t feel like work. It was fun, exciting, and fulfilling. That’s how my radio journey began.
JP: You didn’t find radio — it found you. As a radio presenter, you’re always live, and things can get pretty hectic. What’s one of the most memorable or craziest moments you’ve had on air, and why did it stand out?
TN: (Laughs) Oh yes, I’ve had so many memorable moments on air! Meeting people from different backgrounds, celebrities, and inspiring individuals has been incredible. But one of the craziest experiences was being pursued on air by a listener. It was wild — I still don’t know how I managed to navigate that situation, but somehow, I did!
AG: That sounds harrowing — people do strange things. I also recently saw someone used your image without your permission to promote their products.
TN: Yeah, I’ve accepted that being in the public eye means people will sometimes misuse your identity. Many people have alerted me when my images were used without permission. While I do think social media privacy should be stricter, I also understand that this is part of being a public figure. At the end of the day, I know who I am, and the people who truly support me do too. Over-explaining isn’t worth it. Staying true to myself is what matters most.
AG: Speaking of being true to yourself — many people don’t know that you’re also a gospel singer. What makes praise and worship so meaningful to you?
TN: Yes, I’m a gospel singer before anything else. I grew up as a pastor’s kid, and from a young age, my father trained us to sing, play instruments, and pray. Our church group was called Perfected Praise, and I’m forever grateful to my parents for raising us in such a spiritually enriching environment. That foundation shaped both my life and career. Music is my first love, and my faith in God plays a huge role in everything I do.
AG: Your relationship with your twin, Tariro, must have also shaped you. You’ve sung together in groups like Joyful Praise Choir and T&T Official Kalanga Gospel. Do you feel there’s a sense of co-dependency between you two?
TN: (Laughs) Tariro and I share so much — especially our love for music — and that has strengthened our bond. We’re best friends. But we also have different career aspirations, and those differences have actually brought us even closer. Opposites attract, right?
JP: They do. Another passion you both share is the Nkalanga Dumbu brand. You co-founded it to promote Kalanga culture. What’s your favourite Kalanga saying?
TN: My favourite Kalanga saying is: Tjinyunyi Babili Komba oga tjohuluka. It means: “Two is better than one.” Unity is everything. No one can achieve it all alone — we all need support at some point. And just to add, Nkalanga Dumbu doesn’t only promote Kalanga culture; we also empower other minority groups to embrace their heritage.
JP: I love that message — unity is what makes us African. I was just thinking, you’re a brand ambassador for Baker’s Inn bread, and somehow kotas popped into my head! What are your favourite fillings when you’re craving one?
TN: (Laughs) Who doesn’t love a good kota! Yes, I’m still with Baker’s Inn. My perfect kota has to include fried chips, sauce, cheese, meat, avocado, and extra sauce! Oh — and a juicy sausage too!
AG: You’re making me hungry! (laughs). It’s great to have a brand that aligns with your values. But I’m sure there are challenges too.
TN: (Laughs) Sorry about that! You can eat after this (laughs). Being in the public eye is already a challenge. My goal is to make sure my personality aligns with the brands I endorse. I believe that staying true to myself is what has helped me land endorsements. I hope to attract more in the future by continuing to be authentic, working hard, and avoiding unnecessary drama. What I love most about Baker’s Inn is their social responsibility programmes—giving back to communities, supporting schools, and engaging in charity work. It’s taught me the power of giving back to those who’ve contributed to my journey.
AG: You were involved in the #Artists4SocialChange project, where you, Bhekiwe, and Pauline Njini collaborated on the gospel song Hamba Nani, which addresses child abuse. That seemed to align perfectly with your values.
TN: Yes! Child abuse is a deeply personal issue for me because I was a victim of sexual abuse as a child. It’s something I never want another child to experience. The impact lasts a lifetime, and it’s a cause I’m very passionate about. Bullying in schools is also an issue close to my heart. It’s heartbreaking to see children suffer from bullying. Kids need to be taught early that bullying is not okay. No one should be ridiculed for things they can’t control.
AG: Thank you for trusting us with something so deeply personal, Taboka. I’m truly sorry you had to go through that — but I really admire how you’ve turned that pain into purpose. The way you’re using your voice and platform to help others heal and grow is powerful and genuinely inspiring. It also reminded me of something you once said to aspiring presenters: “work hard, pray, and take advantage of their weaknesses.” I just wanna to check in though — are you comfortable with us including this part in the interview? What feels right to you?
TN: Thank you. It’s okay — you can leave it in. You know what you just mention just now. One of the weaknesses I’ve turned into a strength is my fear of failure. It used to stop me from even trying or being myself. But now, instead of letting it hold me back, I use it as motivation — to prepare well, learn from mistakes, and keep improving. Being a Christian has opened that door in me. Doors I never imagined. This industry is tough, but my relationship with God keeps me grounded. I pray, worship, and turn to Him whenever I feel overwhelmed. Without God, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
End note:
There’s nothing more powerful than closing one door and stepping into the one that’s meant for you — your safe space. Leave the room on your own terms, with the company you need. Taboka reminded me that there’s so much behind a person’s smile, and even more ahead — especially when we stop letting fear, in any form, hold us back. These are lifetime lessons, but we must learn to imagine beyond what we fear. That’s the path to true healing.
Follow Taboka at: @TabokaNleya (Mandazi Queen)
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MUD Journal 