SA: Youth radio station unveils 2026 line-up with new shows and presenters

The updated schedule is set to go live on 1 April.

Among the main changes is Karen Mthethwa’s move into the weekday 9 a.m. to 12 a.m. slot, where she will host The Glow Up. The station said the change marks a new phase for the mid-morning programme. It also confirmed the departure of Xtremme, who had been with the station for more than a decade and is leaving to pursue other business interests.

On weekday evenings, Barbara “Baxbara” Moagi will join Tulz Madala as co-host of UNCENSORED, which airs from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The station said Dimpho Makgotho, who had been part of Y for the past four years, would also be leaving to pursue other ventures.

Y has also made changes to its Sunday hip hop programming, with DJ Sliqe and Roiii taking over The Agenda from 19:00 to 22:00. On Saturdays, Munaka will host The Rizz from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., while Karma Karma Radio, hosted by Shimza, will air from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. KMass joins the weekend schedule in the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. slot.

The station said its breakfast show, The Way Up, hosted by Nia Brown and Okay Wasabi, and afternoon drive show Home Run, hosted by Ayanda MVP and Sinaye Kotobe, would remain in place.

Y also announced an expanded Club Y DJ roster. New addition DJ Tshegu joins a line-up that includes Shakes & Les, Ggoldie, Venom, Rarri, DJ Pedabotic, Lesedi The DJ, Legendary Crisp, Just Mo and DJ Samba. The station confirmed that DJ Zan-D would be departing after more than a decade on air.

Beyond radio, Y said it would continue to grow its digital content strategy. Alongside existing shows such as Tell Us Y with Hey Shawty and Culture Locked with Perceey ASF, the station is adding two new digital programmes: It’s an Uncool Show hosted by Uncool MC, focused on amapiano culture, and Money Talks with Lerai, which will cover issues including money, politics and youth life.

Phindile Ziqubu, Y’s programme manager, said the new line-up reflected both the station’s direction and changes in youth culture.

“This line-up is a true reflection of where we are as a brand and where youth culture is going. We’re constantly evolving, constantly creating, and always looking for new ways to connect with our audience. 2026 is about being louder, bolder, and more fearless than ever before. And Y NOT?” she said.