Award-winning radio host, Dj Sabby, is a multi-faceted trailblazer who strives to pour out his absolute best into everything he touches. 

Born Sabelo Mtshali, he was raised in the KwaZulu-Natal province. He is renowned for hosting the Best Mornings breakfast show on Metro FM. Some of the many hats he wears also include being a music producer,  voice over artist, content curator, MC, club Dj,  TV host, husband and father. 

Radio…a deep, genuine and undying love

Speaking to Nounouche, Dj Sabby shared the depth of his love for radio. He also highlighted how all the aspects of his multi-dimensional career flow beautifully together as a result of radio being at the core. 

“Radio is just at the centre of what I do, so that always keeps me excited and upbeat. The adrenaline is addictive.” 

At the tender age of 14, he was granted the opportunity to encounter the airwaves as part of the Love Life Radio Yprogram. Through that experience, his passion was fueled and he got a glimpse of what the future could look like if he earnestly pursued his love for the airwaves. 

“Having experienced that at a young age gave me butterflies in my stomach. I still remember the feeling, I knew that I wanted to do this thing forever or for as long as time allows me to do it,” he spoke passionately. 

In 2008, he moved to Johannesburg to realize his radio dream. Although many of his supporters may know him from his days at YFM where he started gaining increased popularity and recognition, Dj Sabby’s journey started on community radio. He later held it down on a graveyard slot on 94.7 Highveld Stereo (now known as 947). 

“I’ve always known that there’s no plan B and that I had to make plan A [radio] work even before ever thinking of a plan B. Radio has just always been something that I truly enjoy. It is something that I love and that I am very invested in. It makes me feel happy,” he shared. 

Currently, the talented radio personality journeys with millions of listeners from 6 – 9am each morning. Doing what he does best, he plays his part in ensuring that those who tune in have the best morning. 

Energy over everything 

With more than fifteen years in the industry, Dj Sabby believes that the flow of positive energy is what feeds his continued growth and success.

“It’s a frequency. I don’t rush things or do things for the sake of doing them. I do things that I absolutely love at that point in time.”

Additionally, the right kind of energy is what helps him successfully manage the various aspects of his multi-faceted offering. Operating from a place of love is also what makes things a whole lot easier.

“I’m at a point in my life where I just don’t force things. That’s how everything fits easily into my schedule and into my world. I’m generally just doing everything that I love. I’m doing everything that I want to do,”  he explained. 

Living life as The Best Thing Ever 

Also known as The Best Thing Ever, Dj Sabby shared that excellence goes hand-in-hand with his brand. Giving his all into everything he touches is also a non-negotiable. 

“When I discovered that ‘Sabby’ means the best thing ever or the best thing in the world, I enjoyed the challenge which the name came with. It meant that in whatever we said we were going to do, we would do our best. 

This goes for every single project and for everything I do. Whoever gets to experience me will always experience me on the highest level.”

When Dj Sabby is not on the airwaves or on the decks, he can be found in the kitchen. 

“I make soul food and hearty meals. I’m the king of breakfast too. I truly enjoy cooking, I think it’s therapeutic.”

He also enjoys dedicating his spare time to some retail therapy.

“I love shopping. We work so hard sometimes that we never get to enjoy our money. I love buying sneakers”

More than anything, family means a lot to him. As such, being present and spending quality time with his wife, Lindelane Mtshali, is something he values greatly. He also cherishes time spent with their son.

“I just love being a dad. My son doesn’t expect anything from me. He just wants me here. And every now and then, I buy him McDonalds. What he values most is my time and presence.”

Dj Sabby and his wife are currently expecting their second child and look forward to the many special moments that will come with the growth of their tribe. 

Dedication, passion and patience

Looking back on the journey which has brought him to where he currently finds himself, Dj Sabby noted dedication, passion and patience as the ingredients for his success.

“Dedication is what wakes you up when there’s no reason to wake up and when things are not coming together. The dedication is what keeps the passion flowing. 

The passion is important because it really keeps you grounded and committed. Patience is magic because there are times when you just want to quit,” he shared. 

The above is also a combination he recommends to all who possess a strong love for radio, as well as a yearning to thrive on the airwaves. Ultimately, Dj Sabby is a firm believer in endurance and a commitment to the vision. 

“The journey is long. It’s truly a marathon. Be honest with yourself and be committed to the dream,” he advised.