In a statement, SABC confirmed what had already been spreading through the grapevine: Tbo Touch will make his official return to Metro FM in April 2022.
Tbo Touch returns ‘The Touchdown’ to Metro FM
The Touchdown was, once upon a time, a household show on the state-owned radio channel. Tbo Touch, whose real name is Thabo Molefe, built a solid reputation as the king of the afternoon drive, with the radio show synonymous with international guests, the likes of boxing champion Floyd Mayweather, 50 Cent and other A-list celebrities.
After spending the better part of 11 years honing his craft and building a solid portfolio as one of the most-prolific urban radiocasters in South Africa, Tbo Touch bowed out of his slot and subsequently left Metro FM in 2016.
While, at the time, no official reason for Touch’s exit was communicated, the veteran host later revealed, in an interview with Drum Magazine, that he resigned due to a matter of principle.
Turns out, a bout of fisticuffs with an unknown producer, likely caused by Touch’s refusal to read a Hyundai advert, a decision that reportedly cost SABC R15 million, was the real reason behind his exit.
“It was about principle. If I did not believe in myself I would not have resigned as the host of the No1 radio show nationwide,” Touch said at the time.
Six years later, with a new honcho leading the line at SABC, Touch is slated to make one of the biggest returns to radio. According to the public broadcaster, The Touchdown will return to its original weekday slot, from 15:00 to 18:00, kicking out Sphectacula and DJ Naves’ The King Suite.
“The station is making a concerted effort in investing in the best talent that will carry its strategy forward. This investment will allow the station to carry out its mandate to both listeners, clients, and strategic stakeholders. We remain committed to delivering exceptional content with a focus on creativity and cementing our leadership position in the market. The new line up reflects why we are South Africa’s coolest radio station and speaks to the greater heights the METRO FM brand is climbing to. At 5,4million listeners, we are not done,” Metro FM business manager Kina Nhlengethwa said.
Speculation remains rife about Tbo Touch’s salary which, at one point, was reportedly estimated at R480 000 per month. Check out Swisher Podcast hosts Sanelisiwe Owethu Ntabeni and Zodidi Dano’s breakdown of the Tbo Touch salary debacle: