Sasha Martinengo

Izimvo is honoured to introduce radio and TV personality, Sasha Martinengo.

Sasha, who first joined national broadcaster 5 FM in 1994, is one of South Africa’s most popular radio and TV personalities. He is well-known for his love of all things motor-sport and especially his love of the Ferrari Formula One team.

Sasha can also be seen on SuperSport as the Formula One anchor and as the MC of the annual MPH TopGear Live World tour.

Website: http://www.5fm.co.za/djs/sasha-martinengo
Twitter: http://twitter.com/F1SASHA
Location: Johannesburg

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: They would say. Have you met a man who doesn’t have a job ? Well here he is.

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

A: I hate insects and am petrified of them. I have 2 different colour eyes. My favourite movie ever is The Godfather but I love Moonstruck too.

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

A: Strangely enough I don’t really like being away from it all. I do need some time off at times and then I just watch DVD’s and chill at home.

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

A: My dream home would have at least 12 garages and if I had that then it would mean I would have enough money to fill them. I think the best place to live is Johannesburg. The beach is cool but I don’t really want to live there.

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property

Radio in South Africa

Q: South Africa has a rich history when it comes to radio and radio personalities. If you were to establish a South African Radio Hall of Fame, who would be your first inductee?

A: Phew, I suppose people like Gerhard Viviers (commentator) and John Berks. He made it big but also Martin Bsilir because he changed the way DJ’s got treated and respected.

Q: You’ve been at 5FM going on for 16 years, what, in your opinion, are the greatest challenges facing the industry today?

A: I think the access people have to information. As a DJ you have to be on top of everything all the time. Someone will always know something that you say so you can’t hold things over. The other challengers are to try and keep people entertained and listening to you for as long as possible.

Q: Who have you most enjoyed interviewing and if you could sit down with anyone for an interview, who would it be?

A: I really enjoyed chatting to Jon Bon Jovi and Ed Kowalczyk. Also Jon Van der Ruit (Spud Author). What a great guy. If I could interview one person it would be Bernie Ecclestone.

Q: What are your predictions for the future of Terrestrial radio?

A: Terrestrial radio will always be vital to us in SA. It is the only form of information and entertainment for a lot of people.

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. We changed where we lived and we are happier. Our perception has unfortunately changed but not just because of the crime incidents.

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

A: Not really. My daughter wants to go and live overseas. Purely for academic and job reasons.

Q: If you were South African president for just one day, what would you change?

A: I would institute very serious punishments for those who commit crime.

Q: To which three attractions would you first take an international visitor?

A: The Kruger Park, Cape Town and The Ranch.

Life in Johannesburg

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

A: The buzz. The passion. The energy.

Q: Favorite Italian restaurant in or around Johannesburg?

A: Hmm, my favourite Pizza Place is Andiamo in Fourways.

Q: Who makes the best breakfast in Johannesburg?

A: I don’t eat breakfast so can’t really comment. I only eat breakfast in hotels.

General

Sasha driving an actual F1 car

Q: As a parent, which life lesson would you most like to instill in your children?

A: Be patient. Don’t be greedy and have manners.

Q: @Camilla_Cams asks: What’s your funniest memory with the TopGear guys?

A: Every moment with them is quite hilarious but i think when Jeremy pulled out the massive dildo in the one show which was a set-up by the crew. That was pretty funny.

Q: What are your thoughts on Michael Schumacher returning to Formula 1?

A: Terrific. I am very excited to see him back. I think he will surprise us quickly.

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

A: Is it Just Me or is Everything Kak.

Q: Summarize your life in one word.

Q: Complicated.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo?

A: Shabir Schaik – How do you sleep at night knowing you are deceiving the whole nation and your family?

A massive thank you to Sasha for taking the time to answer our questions. We’d like to wish him every success for the future. Be sure to catch The Sasha Martinengo Show every weekday from 9:00 to 12:00 on 5 FM as well as Sasha’s live coverage on Supersport of the 2010 Formula 1 season starting with the Bahrain GP, March 14th.

You can also see Sasha together with TopGear’s Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May at this year’s MPH TopGear Live World tour. The tour will be Cape Town on the 28th January and in Johannesburg on the 31st.

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