By Lesedi Setlhodi

You hear the name Mokopi Molebatsi and you wonder no more who this person could be as she is with us in our homes, cars and offices weekdays from 9am – 12pm with her much enthralling show Bothakga on North West FM.

She also has a show on Sundays called The YesterYears and surely does take one back and has you reminiscing.

Mokopi is warmly known to her listeners as Mkp. She has a smoky voice and is habitually complimented by her listeners who engage with her for being bold enough to talk about and bring to surface things that happen in our daily lives, yet we do not want to talk about openly.

Mkp’s listeners also appreciate the advice she gives them and the music that she plays definitely lives up to the tag-line “Home of the best music” set by the station.

Astrology pronounces that Pisces women are creative, emotional, and sensitive and have a streak of mysteriousness in them and these traits do cover how Mkp is as a human being.

It further says that they (Pisces women) have a deep sight in human nature which amongst others may explain Mkp’s interest in pursuing studies about the human psychology.

Having to let her choose the virtual couch she sits on as Taung Daily News (TDN) catches up with her, she chooses the blue one without any hesitancy…

You have mentioned that you have mad love for radio; before you got to North West FM you were at Motsweding FM, could you briefly tell us how this love brewed?

I usually tell people that I fell in love with radio when I was still a foetus but I got to work in a studio in 2002 at Radio PUK (campus radio at North West University, Potchefstroom). In 2004 after I graduated I went to work at a community radio station called Radio Teemaneng in Kimberley. On the 4th November 2005, I started working at Motsweding FM and in 2012 I moved to North West FM.

How do you prepare for your shows?

Firstly I organize my playlist that consist of music that speaks to the heart and soul; to the listeners themselves and also has a message they can take from the songs.
I then make certain that there is always something I bring to the table that will inspire and move the listeners. Current affairs and getting listener’s views and suggestions is always part of the package of the shows I do.

What challenges have you come across in the radio industry?

The challenges that I came across were those ones experienced by other radio personalities like not getting any feedback after sending demo tapes. Another challenge has to do with working with managers who are not considerate.

Besides being on the airwaves, what else does Mkp do?

Apart from radio I work with a variety of women’s organizations that seek to empower us as women. I play a major role in inspiring the youth and women. I also do school visits by motivating children to take their education seriously and make something of themselves.

For someone who claims to be shy and an introvert Mkp surely seems to bite the bullet when it comes to engaging with her listeners and the community at large. Are there any projects that you are part of?

I have an annual event called Mokopi Molebatsi Games in Itsoseng that takes place in December. The event is open to a variety of games and it is aimed at helping children keep busy and not roam the streets while schools are closed.

Is Mkp married?

*chuckles* I’m not married and I don’t have kids. Those I’ll get to after completing my Psychology studies; I am however someone’s partner though.

You regard books as your “best buddies”, kindly share with us which book you are currently reading.

I’m currently reading “Nothing left to steal: Jailed for telling the truth” by Mzilikazi Wa Afrika. The book reveals the details behind Sunday Times journalist Mzilikazi wa Afrika’s exposure to the R1.7 billion lease scandal involving Bheki Cele and Roux Shabangu.

Fast cars seem to be your kind of thing, which car would you like to drive or own?

Hahahahahaa! My wish is to see myself driving a Range Rover Evoque.

Keyshia Cole’song “I should have cheated”, most of the time when you play it you are filled with amusement…is there something more to this song we don’t know about?

*chuckles* Truly speaking, I love the lyrics of the song. The way the singer explains how she is accused of cheating by her partner whereas she is the one being cheated on…these are the things that happen in life.

To engage with Mkp one could like her Facebook page Mokopi MKP Molebatsi or follow her on twitter @228mkp

-TDN

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