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Radio is an ever-evolving medium, and the internet has provided new avenues for more tailored listening experiences. From news streamed from all corners of the globe to user-created playlists, the web has some great offerings for those who want a little more than they’re getting on traditional stations. We’ve picked some of the best, hosted mostly right here in Africa, to help you navigate the new radio world.
Afrikan Freedom Station
Hosted at a little chill spot in Westdene, Johannesburg, the Afrikan Freedom Station broadcasts great discussions, music and talk shows, all centred on the African experience. From politics to pop culture, tune in to hear experts and callers speaking about issues faced by the everyday African. And if you’d like to witness the magic for yourself, head down to the station for a supercheap drink and the chance to have some stimulating conversation.
. Listen at afrikanfreedomstation.co.za/music
CliffCentral
Love him or hate him, Gareth Cliff’s new venture, CliffCentral, is probably the most popular new online radio station. Bringing together some of South Africa’s most famous and infamous personalities, the station is actually pretty good listening. The partnership with Daily Maverick for a daily newsletter is a must-have and a smart way to extend its brand. DJ Sbu recently joined the team – so now he is free to punt whatever he chooses without fear of management’s heavy hand.
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Listen at cliffcentral.com
Pan African Space Station
An initiative by magazine Chimurenga, Pan African Space Station is dedicated to exploring African music by playing established and emerging artists. Though a little glitchy at times (especially on a Mac), the content is second to none for anyone interested in music from the continent. It’s one of the most comprehensive and well-curated online radio stations out there.
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Listen at panafricanspacestation.org.za
Global Breakfast Radio
For those who only listen to the radio for those jam-packed breakfast shows, Global Breakfast Radio is a dream. The station follows breakfast shows worldwide as the sun rises in different time zones – “wherever it’s breakfast time right now”. From Atlanta to Accra, it’s breakfast-listening all day, every day. Daniel Jones, one of the site’s creators, says his favourite show is Radio Gumbe from Guinea-Bissau, which plays the “perfect morning music”. Other African offerings include Nigerian outfit Classic FM, broadcast from Lagos, and Star Radio, broadcast from Rwanda’s capital, Kigali.
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Listen at globalbreakfastradio.com
