It was the family love of music that propelled Lilly Makofane to venture on radio industry today.
Rise FM’s sassy DJ Lilly, born in Praktiseer, Burgerfort, relocated to Middelburg at the age of 13 and a Nelspruiter for the past 15 years, recalled her heydays when she used to record songs played on radio and herself presenting on the portable silver tape recorder she owned and listened to herself. “At first I would listen to radio for the music, before I knew it I was paying attention to the content soon after, I could see myself hosting a radio show,” Makofane giggled.
“It sounded horrible back then but it was nothing a bit of practice couldn’t fix,” she laughed. “From a very young age I was very artistic, took part in every school activity, running, netball, drama, singing in the school choir, you name it,” she recounted. She said her father one day sat her down and asked what she wanted to be, and without hesitation she told her father that she wanted to be on media and entertainment industry.
“I wasn’t shocked that he recommended something else, in fact, I knew I had a point to prove. Out of respect and honour, I went on to complete my studies in hospitality management so at least I would have something to fall back on as he and mom had advised,” she said.
A very shy Makofane or Lilly said radio is a very mysterious thing which she loves. “I found that it afforded me the opportunity to be my best self. I’m very opinionated and passionate about having conversations that are thought-provoking and radio is the perfect medium for that. The same mystery affords the listener an opportunity to express themselves without feeling exposed or judged and this is why we are able to get more out of the listener through radio than any other media platform,” she beamed.
The popular and enticing Lilly, who previously hosted a Daytimes with Lilly show, nowadays has teamed up with the enigmatic and experienced Zookey Zarling for Rise FM’s first ever “all female” Drive Team. “Their unique and diverse personalities truly complement each other and ensures that loads of fun, loads of listener interaction, loads of humour and loads of entertainment is to hand on your trip home,” that’s how the radio station describes the duo.
“Zookey & Lilly” will definitely change your mood for the better no matter how bad your workday was and will guarantee that you arrive home relaxed, entertained and with a smile on your face! Drive with Zookey & Lilly is on your radio from 15:00 – 18:00 on weekdays.
Tantalizing Lilly is inspired by resilience, mostly in women from all walks of life, in their respective fields. “Women get the job done! Despite the unequal opportunities we continue to fight against, push the agenda and let our work and efforts do the talking. I am inspired by women who are at both the top and bottom of the corporate hierarchy who let nothing get in the way of their success. I mean those who’ve made it to the top give us hope by asserting us that it is possible. Today I am hosting an all-female drive show and I get to be one of the first people to do it, that too inspires even me,” she oozed with confidence.
“I’ve was fortunate enough to have been afforded the opportunity to start my radio career from foundation up, having worked for a community radio station, learning the basics and being eager to learn has kept me grounded. I’ve done some voice-over work for the Crowning of Miss Mpumalanga, presented and modelled for the Mpumalanga Fashion Week. Joined forces with media groups during the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the Mandela 46664 clothing. I have since registered my own media company called Flavoured Tongue to help introduce new forms of media and collaborations here in Mpumalanga,” she disclosed.
She said that she was taking her work one step at a time and would hate to rush the process. “So far, there’s progress, a lot of it. Having worked for a community radio station without pay, putting in the work, working early morning to late night radio shows and slowly making it to day time and then prime… There’s progress for sure. I’m glad however that I still feel I have a lot to learn, I’m immersing myself in that. Learning every aspect of broadcasting so I can one day impart the knowledge and skill to others. It’s frustrating knowing just one aspect of any career, I always want to know more,” she pointed out. “I doubt I’d ever feel like I’ve reached my destination, I’m too curious for that. The higher you climb the more you need to learn to keep you there. There’s nothing more frustrating than having an employee who knows more than their employer or superior. It creates an imbalance. Keep learning. There’s definitely more coming… time will tell,” she said.
