Yarona FM is an urban broadcaster targeting young adults. The radio station is a private commercial entity that has existed since 1999. It is regulated by BOCRA and attracts a unique weekly audience of 250,000.
History The radio station started its 24-hour broadcast on August 22, 1999, the first independent radio station in the country,"Botswana TV delayed until 2000", Africa Film & TV Magazine, nº. 22, September-October 1999 and at first was primarily a local broadcaster within Gaborone (the capital city of Botswana) covering a radius of 50 km from its central transmitter. Until 2004 it was one of the only two licensed private radio stations in the country. In June 2007 the station was offered a national broadcast license by Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority and began a national rollout covering Botswana's major centres: Lobatse, Mahalapye, Serowe, Palapye, Selibe Phikwe, Francistown and Maun.
For much of its history, its programming focus was on arts and culture, primarily consisting of programs devoted to RnB, Hip Hop, Motswako and Pop music.
Brand From its conception, Yarona FM has identified itself with the "freshest" and newest songs, targeted towards Botswana's urban youth audience. Its initial tag lines were "Re tswhere vibe": setswana for "we've got the vibe" and "blazing GC's most rocking tunes". When the station went national in 2008, the tag line changed to "Live the music". Yarona FM is a positive, upwardly mobile forward thinking brand that encapsulates the aspirations, style, language, lives and future of the Youth of Botswana.
Current Presenters Fox, MOG, DJ Sway, Melanie, Lerato Modiega, Luhle, Kat, Thabang Matlale, Katlego Rakola, Soso, Vincent Roman Matthys, DJ Kellz, Reitumetse, Kage, Mr Tee, VVA, Zoe Pilane Frequencies(From South to North) Until April 2008, the radio station was broadcasting through the frequency 106.6 FM, which was part of its logo and brand until 7 more frequencies were added.
Lobatse: 102.1 FM Gaborone: 106.6 FM Mahalapye: 99.9 FM Serowe: 102.9 FM Palapye: 105.1 FM Selibe Phikwe & Maun: 97.5 FM Francistown: 100.1 FM Sojwe: 100.8 FM Salajwe : 98.2 FM Takatokwane, Jwaneng & Senyamadi: 104.9 FM Malwelwe : 94.9 FM
Past presenters Japs, Luzboy, Stups dawg, Big Duke, Bonni Dintwa, Tumie Ramsden, DJ Izzy, Chawa Bale, Dollar Mac, King Bee, Tshepo Ntshole, Dig Nash, Otis Fraser, Kepi, O'neal, Junior Psy, Jazelle, Owen Rampha (Current Head of content), McD, Kedi Lezozo, Scar, Kingdom, Dum-luv, MduThaParty, and Big Fish are all popular names identified with the Yarona FM brand in the past. Some of these have now moved on to other local radio stations or to other ventures. Of late, and due to the high standards at Yarona FM, the station has become the number one breeding ground for talent amongst other broadcast entities in Botswana.
The youngest presenter in the history of the station are Kabelo "Japs" Tlhomelang (at age 15), airing in July 2000 with Kgosi "Dollar Mac" Kgosidintsi.
Yarona FM schedule
Podcasting Yarona FM content is also available via their YouTube channel, Spotify, TikTok and Facebook pages.
Schedule The network's base schedule is noted here, and applies only to Yarona FM's outlets. MondayTuesdayWednesday ThursdayFridaySaturdaySundayTime 5amThe Take Off
Hosted by:
Mr T6amThe Big Breakfast Show
Hosted by:
Bad Boy Brando & Boineelo HardyThe Big Breakfast Show
Hosted by:
Bad Boy Brando & Boineelo HardyThe Big Breakfast Show
Hosted by:
Bad Boy Brando & Boineelo HardyThe Big Breakfast Show
Hosted by:
Bad Boy Brando & Boineelo HardyThe Big Breakfast Show
Hosted by:
Bad Boy Brando & Boineelo HardyBeats From Heaven
Hosted by:
Mr T6am8am9amHouse of ZU Hosted by:
Zuziwe MavumaHouse of Zu
Hosted by:
Zuziwe Mavuma11amPower to the People
Hosted by:
Mdu Tha PartyPower to the People
Hosted by:
Mdu Tha PartyPower to the People
Hosted by:
Mdu Tha PartyPower to the People
Hosted by:
Mdu Tha PartyPower To the People
Hosted by:
Mdu Tha PartyYarona FM Hot 40
Hosted by:
Ninah Lr12noon1pmSugar Rush
Hosted by:
Ninah LR2pmThe Galaxy Sports Show Hosted by :
Fox3pmShuddup and Drive
Hosted by:
Kedi & King Bee LoungoShuddup and Drive
Hosted by:
Kedi & King Bee LoungoShuddup and Drive
Hosted by:
Kedi & King Bee LoungoShuddup and Drive
Hosted by:
Kedi & King Bee LoungoShuddup and Drive
Hosted by:
Kedi & King Bee LoungoKaofela
Hosted by:
MzithoKaofela
Hosted by:
Mzitho4pm5pm6pmThe Log Drum
Hosted by:
Lala Slay7pmGood Vibes Only
Hosted by:
Thabo MhaphaGood Vibes Only
Hosted by:
Thabo MhaphaGood Vibes Only
Hosted by:
Thabo MhaphaGood Vibes Only
Hosted by:
Thabo MhaphaThe Soccer Show
Hosted by:
Fox8pm267 Hip Hop Hosted by:
Dj Sway9pm10pmYarona FM #YFest
Hosted by:
Dj MixYarona FM #YFest
Hosted by:
DJ MixThe Revolution
Hosted by:
Dj Kellz11pm12am1am
References