Peter G

Today’s familiar voice belongs to the host of ECR’s Big Breakfast: Peter G.

From humble beginnings as a house party DJ to starting an inhouse hospital radio station, Peter G has become a firm favorite on Durban’s airwaves since taking over as the host of ECR’s Big Breakfast in September last year.

Born and raised in Durban, Peter G has a true understanding of Durban culture and speaks the language of listeners around the east coast. He has rallied fans from every corner of the province with his tongue-in-cheek quirky take on current matters and a pleasant, fun and all-encompassing disposition.

Website: http://www.peterg.co.za
Twitter: http://twitter.com/petergecr
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/petergthang?ref=name
Big Breakfast Blog: Link

Peter was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: This is Peter G, you may have heard him on East Coast Radio’s Big Breakfast Show. He’s 39 years old and two kids and loves pasta!

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: I tend to share quite a bit – my biggest fear is heights. I remember during a stay in Kimberley the “tannie” next door asked me to fix her tv aerial on her roof. I said sure, it’ll be a pleasure… until I started climbing onto her roof. Seems I’m even scared from 3 metres up!

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: I love slipping off to the berg. We are so lucky living in KZN that we’re able to jump in the car and after a relatively short drive find ourselves in one of the most beautiful places in the country. Slipping off to Cape Town is another favourite escape for me

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South Africa would you like it to be?

A: Oh boy, my dream home…? I remember dreaming of how I’d like my home to be when I was a youngster. I never really gave the number of bedrooms much thought but always wanted somewhere for my music. I’d love a home overlooking the sea in the Ballito area. Perhaps once I’ve decided on how many bedrooms I need I’ll think of moving out that way.

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property. – Looking for your dream holiday home on the Dolphin Coast? How about this 4 bedroom R12.7m executive home with uninterrupted sea views from everywhere in the house.

Radio in South Africa

Q: You first started your radio career by launching an inhouse Radio station while working in PR at the Department of Health. Can you tell us more about how that came about and how you eventually became the breakfast show host on East Coast Radio?

A: I started deejaying at parties in around 1984 – a long time ago and reached a stage where I guess I felt the time had come to take the next step. For me radio had always been a dream I wanted to pursue. As a teenager I had set up my own small radio station in my bedroom – it had a listenership of 1. In the early days of Radio Port Natal I went on a tour of the SABC building and that pretty much sealed the deal for me – I wanted to be in radio.

After years in the Department of Health I realised that one way of boosting staff morale at the time was to start our own inhouse radio. Fortunately for me the Medical Superintendent of the hospital saw the potential and my step into radio began. Almost a year later I was approached by the management of Kimberley Hospital to set up their inhouse radio station. We moved to Kimberley for 6 months before returning to Durban. A fortunate meeting with a member of the management team at uShaka Marine World led to my proposing an inhouse radio station to the park. uShaka Radio operated for 3 years. Sadly the park closed it down.

It was during my time as Station Manager at uShaka Radio that a friend asked me for my demo as he felt I should be at East Coast Radio. He submitted the demo on my behalf and my time at Durban’s Number 1 began with the 3am to 6am early morning slot. After almost 4 years at the station I was offered the Breakfast Show when it was announced that Daryl Ilbury would be leaving.

Q: What is the essential ingredient to a successful radio Breakfast show? Can you give us an insight into how a show’s success is measured?

A: The shows success, as with radio in general, is measured by the number of listeners. In my opinion a great Breakfast Show needs to be something that listeners can relate to. I aim to take people to work with a smile on their face. The entire team pulls out all the stops to provide a show that is relevant to the community, fun, energetic and informative.

Q: If you were start your own national radio station, who would you approach to host your afternoon drive show?

A: You mean poach? Hahaha… DJ Fresh… because Just Plain Darren would be doing Breakfast!

Q: What advice would you give those wanting a career in radio?

A: Get a real job! Getting into radio is not an easy “knock on the door and host your own show” process. My advice would be to volunteer at community stations. It’s when you’ve worked with limited resources you truly appreciate your radio career as it develops. Those early days in community radio will help to keep you grounded. You also have the opportunity to make mistakes without being slaughtered by your listeners hahaha. As you improve, if you’re really good, you’ll be noticed by other stations.

Q: What are your thoughts on podcasting and do you think it will ever become a threat to local radio?

A: CD’s are a threat to local radio. Music downloads, the internet, ipods, even TV is a threat to local radio. The one thing these platforms don’t offer is live interaction with a human being. We all like to interact, either in normal conversation or through social networks. It’s part of what makes us human. We realise this and are making the necessary changes to develop our offering and attractiveness.

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: Yes people close to me have been affected by crime but it hasn’t changed my perception of our country. Yes crime is a very real issue that threatens everyone of us everyday but we as a country have been through many dark and challenging times and come out on the other side shining and proud. Crime is crime.

Communities still haven’t realised that standing together against crime is the only way to deal with it. As South Africans we tend to hide away and not get involved. Community Policing Forums are crying out all the time for community support – we all need to do our share. Leaving it to others is not the answer.

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?

A: I did many years ago, purely because all my friends where moving to Australia. Some of them are back now.

Q: With a little over two months to the first African Soccer World Cup, what advice would you offer to first-time visitors looking for the ultimate South African experience?

A: We don’t have lions and wild animals on our main roads so don’t walk the streets with your big camera hunting for them. You DO have to get in a car and drive to a game farm or reserve to find them but the trip WILL be worthwhile!

Q: South Africa’s greatest entertainer is?

A: Only one? That’s not a fair question.

Life in Durban

Q: What do you enjoy most about living in Durban?

A: The climate and people. Once a Durbanite always a Durbanite.

Q: Favorite restaurant in or around Durban for a romantic night out?

A: La Casa Nostra in Umdloti.

Q: Favorite local destination for a long weekend getaway?

A: The Berg.

Q: Which event on Durban’s social calendar is your personal favorite?

A: I have no particular favorite.

General

Q: If you could magically send an email to yourself at the age of 18, what advice would you include?

A: Don’t wait. Go for what you want now. Time flies!

Q: Which book would you make required reading for all matric pupils?

A: Everything written by Richard Branson.

Q: If you had to pick one South African as a mentor, who would it be and why?

A: I learnt alot from Daryl Ilbury.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo and what would you ask them?

A: Simmi Areff – local comedian (and comedy content producer for the breakfast show) – my question: how do you deal with a crowd that just doesn’t find you funny?

We’d like to thank Peter for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him every success for the future. Be sure to tune in and catch Peter G on ECR’s Big Breakfast every weekday from 6am – 9am.

Reminder that you can now listen our interviews at http://izimvo.com/listen or subscribe to our Podcast feed http://bit.ly/bgC35E