Joy Mphande Plans Radio Comeback After Second Basadi in Music Awards Nomination
Award nominated entertainment journalist Joy Mphande, widely known as Joy Gracious, has revealed that she is preparing for a return to radio after receiving her second nomination at the prestigious Basadi in Music Awards.
The recognition marks another milestone in a career that has spanned nearly a decade and has established Mphande as one of South Africa’s respected entertainment journalists. It has also reignited her passion for the medium where her journalism journey first began.
For Mphande, the nomination represents more than personal success. It is a reminder of the importance of recognising women whose work often goes unnoticed in one of the country’s most competitive industries.
Speaking about the honour, she said she was deeply grateful to be acknowledged by a platform dedicated to celebrating the achievements of women in music and media.
“I am incredibly honoured by this nomination, especially because of what the Basadi platform stands for.
Having been in the entertainment industry for nearly a decade now, I know firsthand that women in this space are not always appreciated or given the flowers they deserve. To be recognised by a platform that deliberately validates our hard work, our voices and our longevity means a lot to me.”
The nomination has also prompted Mphande to look back at the beginning of her career, long before she became a familiar byline across print and digital entertainment platforms.
She revealed that radio was where she first discovered her love for journalism and storytelling, a passion that has remained with her throughout her career.
Although she shifted her focus to print and digital media, Mphande continued to develop her broadcasting skills through podcasting. She now believes the time is right to return to live radio while continuing her work as a journalist.
“Because my career actually started in radio, that is where I first fell in love with journalism. Radio put me in the front seat of media and storytelling.
Even while focusing on print and digital, I have kept my microphone skills sharp through podcasting, but I have truly missed the unique energy of live radio.
Now, looking at where I am after all these years, I feel that audio broadcasting and journalism do not have to be mutually exclusive. They can work beautifully hand in hand.
As a young person living in the slash generation, we are not defined by just one title. We are built to multitask, evolve and thrive across multiple platforms simultaneously.”
Her comments reflect a growing trend within South Africa’s media industry, where journalists increasingly move across print, digital, podcasting and broadcasting to reach wider audiences.
A second Basadi in Music Awards nomination further strengthens Mphande’s reputation as a respected voice in entertainment journalism while signalling that the next chapter of her career could take listeners back to the airwaves.
As the awards celebrate women who continue to shape South Africa’s creative industries, Mphande’s latest recognition stands as both a personal achievement and a reflection of the changing face of modern journalism, where versatility has become one of the profession’s greatest strengths.
