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Mbulelo Mpofu, Showbiz Reporter
AS the Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAA) draw near, it is only befitting for the nation’s liveliest newspaper to give you a sneak preview into the lives of some of this year’s nominees.

Among the nominees in the 35 categories is radio personality, Miss Tee (real name Thokozani Tumie Mkandla) who is battling it out in the Outstanding Radio DJ category.

She is nominated alongside Nomalanga Nyathi (ZiFM Stereo), Cde Phil (Khulumani FM) and Khekhe – Skyz Metro FM.

But who is Miss Tee? Among other things, she is a mother, radio producer and presenter, MC, news anchor, television host, model and a philanthropist student.

Born 27 years ago, the sassy Khulumani FM presenter never saw herself as a person born for the radio, but instead, she said radio found her.

“Growing up, I didn’t see myself as a radio personality. But then, as opportunistic as I am, I took one up when it presented itself,” said Miss Tee when she was asked about her levitation to radio stardom.

Raised in the streets of Nketa 9, Miss Tee attended Mgiqika Primary School and later became a sort of a rolling stone when it came to secondary education as she attended a host of schools.

The schools included George Silundika High School, Foundation College and other schools in Botswana.

How then did radio find her?

“Radio found me in the sense that when Khulumani FM started their search for presenters in 2017, something in me felt that I should try my luck. I auditioned for the role of presenters and I and nine others made the grade,” said Miss Tee.

She vividly remembers her first time at the studio with fellow radio presenter Sakheleni Nxumalo aka Bra Khesa on March 2, 2018. Little did she know that on this date, a seed would germinate to her being nominated for an award.

“It was scary and mind-blowing at the same time. Many mistakes were made, but we learnt from them. With the support of each other as the Khulumani FM team and our listeners, we’ve grown to be one of the most talked about radio stations in the city.

“Being nominated for the RoilBAAs came as a surprise honestly.

This industry is very competitive with many great presenters so being picked among all those people is truly amazing. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but persistence and resilience brought us here. I’m therefore very grateful to those who nominated me,” said The Morning After presenter.

As should everyone in her position feel, Miss Tee is fancying her chances of getting the much-coveted Outstanding Radio DJ award at her first time of asking.

“I hope I win, but if I don’t, this is still a win for me. My bio will include ‘Roil BAA nominee’. This is surreal,” chuckled the radio personality who is still trying to get to grips with the nomination.

The awards that are in their fifth edition are set to be held on November 28. – @eMKlass_49