Gagasi 99.5FM in Durban has launched Eh heh, described as its “hot new radio soapie’.
The South African radio drama genre, which has not been common for decades, is now enjoying a resurge in popularity. A key figure in this renaissance is local award-winning writer Clinton Marius, whose hugely successful radio soapie, Lollipop Lane, broadcast daily for four years, clocking up a record-breaking 820 episodes, while gathering an army of fans around the country.
Now Marius is back in a brand new collaboration with charismatic radio presenter Zookey, who has her own show on Gagasi 99.5FM. She also runs a social support network of workshops that deal with inter-cultural challenges and personal issues.
Marius and Zookey have joined forces to create a new comedy serial called Eh Heh, that will bring radio drama to an entirely new audience.
Set in a hair and beauty salon, Eh Heh features a group of lovable characters performed by a team of KZN’s top radio actors, including Mpume Mthombeni, Loretta Green, Shika Budhoo, Dhaveshan Govender, Pauline Dalais, among others.
The soapie will also host regular guest appearances by South African celebrities and industry leaders, while covering a diverse range of subjects, including art, fashion, music and lifestyle.
“Developing a positive vibe for creative people to flourish in is something that excites me,’ says live-wire arts activist Zookey, whose idea it was to launch the new soapie. “Tapping into Clinton Marius’s creative skills and marrying them with my own, our new series on Gagasi 99.5FM will carry an element of edutainment, using satire, comedy and drama to deal with social ills and situations. I believe such commentary done in a fun manner is the best teacher in life.’
“Reaching a predominantly Zulu-speaking audience is a new direction for me,’ says Marius. “This collaboration with Zookey is perfect, and together we have created an entertaining and funny communication style in “Zunglish’.’
Eh Heh is directed by show business veteran Caroline Smart who has been involved with radio drama for more than 30 years: “I am delighted that Gagasi has recognised the immense value of radio drama, both as an exciting medium for listeners and a challenging medium for actors,’ says Smart. “I am really looking forward to the growth of this collaboration.’
The first episode of Eh Heh will broadcast on Sunday 15 April 2012 at 10pm on Gagasi 99.5FM, and thereafter on Thursdays at 7pm, and Sundays at 10pm.
