Johannesburg - Tongues were wagging when the hugely popular Tbo Touch resigned from Metro FM after being suspended for all sorts of internal drama. Soon after, he announced he’d be creating Touch Central in the stable of Gareth Cliff’s renegade digital radio operation Cliff Central. Would he be able to lure his listeners to his new show, TouchDown? Especially because you need data to tune in?
For my part, I’m there. The most buzzing and stimulating hours in my day happen between 3pm and 6pm when TouchDown is streaming.
The boisterous, outspoken radio host is perfectly at home in a broadcasting space that promises an uncensored and authentic listening experience like no other.
His infectious show gleams with an upbeat, positive energy, encouragement and hope. There are always prizes up for grabs and he is often willing to open up his show as a platform for eager new voices who want to break into the media world.
On TouchDown, nothing is off topic or prohibited. There are robust conversations about spirituality, our sketchy state of current affairs, gossip, et al. Here real, open-minded opinions are voiced without censure. His show is not only suitable for the youth, but for an older audience that is young at heart.
His interviews vary from A-list internationals like Akon and Floyd Mayweather to celebrity locals – musicians, ministers, business stars – all the way through to everyday people with powerful stories.
Yes, there are people who say Tbo Touch is just too glib and far too arrogant.
But his confidence in himself is very entertaining – and, frankly, inspiring.