Unpacking the process of creating radio documentariesVusumuzi Manana, better known as DjChoraal, has a unique and inspiring journey in the world of broadcasting and music.
Originally a teacher, he resigned from his educational career in 2015 to join SABC as a producer and presenter for Choral Classic and Opera (Temakwaya), captivating audiences every Sunday afternoon with his deep passion for choral music.
A seasoned choir director and accomplished singer, Vusumuzi has performed both nationally and internationally. His talent has taken him to Detroit, Michigan, and New York, where he triumphed in the Talent America competition in 2016. His love for storytelling led him to start producing voluntary documentaries in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing his talent, Rio Mabunda, then station manager for Ligwalagwala FM, offered him an opportunity to craft documentaries on the unsung heroes of Mpumalanga—political activists from the apartheid era who are often overlooked in history books.
In 2021, Vusumuzi was contracted by Ligwalagwala FM to produce a series of documentaries, and he currently serves as a researcher, technical producer, and presenter for these monthly features. Despite his busy schedule, he continues to host his beloved Choral Music show and the Traditional Music Show, Giya UPhoseke, every Saturday. With over 20 radio documentaries to his name, Vusumuzi Manana, aka DjChoraal, remains a dedicated and influential figure in the realms of choral and traditional music, as well as documentary storytelling.
