Babes We Radio, real name Likho Bubulu is an East London born - from Mdantsane to be precise. She is the first-born daughter of Pst and Dr Bubulu, a wife to Mawande Billie, public and motivational speaker, and also a mom who has previously worked in different kinds of spaces. This incredible media personality has a qualification in both Food Nutritionist & Hospitality Management.
Likho is the founder of Teenagers Unplugged, a teens empowerment organization based in Eastern Cape. The organization to her is a platform that she stands on to reach out to teenagers of all classes, age, and status in the society. Monthly, she hosts events to reach out to boys and girls who have been abused. Her aim is to educate children on how to be Queens, Kings and live as they should in spite of prevailing situations and circumstances. She also calls attention to societal ills facing women, sharing tips with them on how they can live wisely and avoid being victims of all forms of abuse. Some of the issues she addresses in her gathering with kids includes empowering young people spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally and psychologically.
Before we chat to her about her radio journey we were curious to hear that besides her, who is her favorite radio presenter in Mzansi and why - and this is what she said, “I love it when you say besides myself who is my favorite radio presenter, she giggled. It is sis’Unathi Nkayi, I love the confidence she has about herself, she is the type of woman that stones have been thrown at her but still stands and does what she was called for, also I love how she is so proud of ubuXhosa bakhe”.
Which radio station are you work for? when did you commence with radio presenting and what drove you to start? “I proudly work for Mdantsane fm, a community radio station based in Mdantsane east London. Growing up I had love for radio but never really had the courage to go for it up until 2016, when I was motivated by the former CKI radio presenter which is now on one of SABC radio stations TRU Fm - Dr Mandla Makhubalo. Mr Makhubalo really made me to see myself on radio though the motivation I got from only listening to him running his show and some direct words towards me, and I could write a book of the things he said about me but the most of them all from and that had blew my mind was when he said "mntanam, you are radio". Those words made me strongly believe that I have it, and I am going to strongly grow my talent and skill on radio”.
What challenges you faced as a female radio presenter when you were started and how did you overcome them? “Normal work politics I could say, no specifics out of ordinary challenges but what helped me was knowing my story and knowing my capability”.
How important is it for a radio presenter to keep up with news and social media and why? “When they say knowledge is power, they are very right, that’s why it’s very important for any media personality to keep up with latest trends and news. Social media on its own it’s where some of the daily content comes from so one has to be connected and at the same time be able to take only what matters to their journey than to swallow everything that comes from the social streets”.
What are your highlights as a radio presenter so far? “In my journey I have had the honor of interviewing quite a number of my favourite people, who are the people I grew up watching and listening to. Also, I was once nominated as one of the Best Community Radio Presenters in ECMAS. At some point I also made it on a front page of one of the local News-papers and those moments have added value in my radio career”.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years-time? “I see myself hosting a TV show based on love, also being one of the best radio presenters in one of the SABC radio stations producing my own show”.
When not working on your radio show, what do you do to keep sane? “I get a lot of gigs as Master of Ceremonies or Motivational Speaking. Other than that, you will find me at home with my hubby and kids”.