People and music make Eon’s radio world go round and round
November 16 was a very special occasion for radio on the Garden Route and. more specifically, for local mid-morning presenter Eon Engelbrecht, 28, as it marked his 1.000th radio show; translating into a whopping 3.000-4.000 hours behind the microphone.
Early 2011 saw Eons debut as a weekend presenter at Knysna 97.0 FM. presenting ‘Sun-day Jukebox’ from 3-6pm. By November that year, he took over the mid-morning slot “9 to 12 with Eon’, which has been sponsored by Kloppers right from the start.
In December 2013. Bitou listeners were able to tune in as the show was now simulcast to sister station MC 90.3 FM based in Plett CBD.
The show was initially only aired on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays but in May 2016, Tuesdays and Thursdays were included following the departure of ‘Macs Morning Run’ presenter Dave McCausland, who passed away in June this year.
Due to its popularity, Eons show was again extended on Monday, February 6 – this time by an hour and renamed AM to PM, it now airs every weekday from 9 am to 1 pm.
Over the years. Eon interviewed some remarkable guests, from authors to bands and famous artists and Miss SA 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters. ‘But.” says Eon. “I’ve also chatted to truly remarkable locals and very loyal listeners.”
Memorable contributors include Mickey Louw who presented ‘TechChat’ – a first of its kind in South Africa. The popular technology insert made its final bow in December 2014. when Louw pursued a different career.
Eons best interviewee thus far?
“Most definitely South African author John van de Ruit. He is my muse!” enthuses Eon. who is currently penning his first novel?
And what does he love most about his job?
“The music and the people. I get to listen to new, talented artists, rediscover old forgotten songs, and create playlists that listeners enjoy. And 1 meet interesting people all the time.”
Funny incidents include a microphone falling off its stand in mid-broadcast.
“But I will never forget the day an older listener came to the studio to meet the sexy lady on the air’… only to discover ME sitting in the studio. I’ve never seen anyone more disappointed.”
Eon spends up to three hours preparing his show the night before. “It s hard work – and no. you don’t just sit down and play music for three or four hours while talking nonsense.
“A lot goes into a show-like this, but I’m very fortunate for the creative control afforded me by our boss. Gordon Hoffmann.”
Apart from being on air four hours daily. Eon works as a producer for other shows, music compiler for both stations. and technical engineer. He also presents weekend chart show The Garden Route Top 10′ on Saturdays from noon to 1 pm.
“I thank everyone for their loyal support over the past six years,” says Eon. “I’m in a lucky position to come to work’ every day and do what 1 love. Music is the best therapist in the world and I’m having so much fun. it feels as if I haven’t worked a day!”
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