"White boy" Jon Hooper joins YFM

The station says that Hooper, who was announced as the winner of the nationwide search for a new white male DJ, wowed listeners with his flair, sense of humour, and fluent Pretoria-style Setswana.

Hooper's appointment is aimed at adding “a unique twist” to the line-up already housed by the radio station which broadcasts from Rosebank, Johannesburg, and is claimed to currently reach more than 1,4 million listeners in the greater Gauteng area. The station says that it is recognised by the industry as a springboard for most of the young black radio stars now dominating the national airwaves.

Controversy

In a move which attracted much controversy in early June, the station said it "fervently believed in affirmative action" and rejected "tokenism" and was looking for a "hot white boy" to add to its lineup, offering a 12-month DJ contract to the winner. Hooper won on the response he got from his audience.

YFM programming manager Tumelo Diaho-Monaheng said listeners were very enthusiastic about the whole process. "After reviewing the votes received from our audience and convening with management we chose the person who had the most original and engaging persona. Jon is certainly that individual and he also is truly representative of the Y brand," said Diaho-Monaheng.

From baker to broadcaster

Hooper, who was raised and educated in Pretoria, found that he naturally gravitated towards the young black children in his area. As these friendships developed he began mastering the language, until he grew to become a fully fledged member of the black community.

He was trained to follow in his father's footsteps, that of baker, and was running a bakery alongside his family when he heard about Y's white boy DJ search. That's when he saw the opportunity to realise his passion to be on radio.

Hooper's perspective is indicative of the times - his ability to cross over represents a new era in urban youth culture that defines itself not primarily by race but rather by affiliation to a lifestyle and music. He cites DJ Sbu, Mo Flava, and Soul Kandi among his favourites and he describes himself as an avid House music fan.

"We are excited about the contribution that Jon will be making to the station," said Diaho-Monaheng. "A whole new chapter in SA radio is about to begin and as usual Y has been bold enough to make this move. Jon will receive the best training that Y has to offer and will be fully orientated into the Y system. He will begin his on-air duties on August 7."

Hooper said he was upbeat about the exciting journey he faces. "I am over the moon about winning. I'm ecstatic! I plan to take entertainment up a notch with my own personal style of radio," he said.