Metrospective examines changes from the time of the charged political climate right through an era of social, political and economic changes in the country, including the evolving music, sporting, culinary, beauty, technological and fashion trends.
The memento is divided up chronologically according to the tenure of each of the station's six station managers. It contains interviews with broadcast legends such as Treasure Tshabalala, Bob Mabena, Lawrence Dube, Shado Twala and Glen Lewis, as well as Wilson B Nkosi, who has been with Metro from the beginning.
“The glossy commemorative book tracks the country's journey to democracy and beyond. It touches on the euphoric highs and the traumatic lows, from Chris Hani's assassination to the Madiba era, cricket captain Hansie Cronjé's downfall, to the awarding of the 2010 FIFA World Cup to SA,” explained group executive SABC: public commercial services, Pearl Luthuli.
“Even though it went on air during the charged political climate of the mid-1980s, Metro broke new ground from the outset, and was daring enough to play music which the other radio stations didn't dare touch. Delving into the country's musical landscape, the book features lavish photo spreads of the movers and shakers of the past two decades, not forgetting the musicians who have moved on to the great stage in the sky.”
Metro started broadcasting on 1 September 1986, under the stewardship of station manager Koos Radebe, broadcasting on medium wave and targeting the urban black market. Over the years, it has grown into a top English-language urban contemporary radio station in the country, with more than five million listeners.
“Over five million listeners constitute a large percentage of our country's population, again proving that Metro FM stands by its obligation to the people, the community and the country. It's a massive footprint, befitting a giant, and as the station celebrates its 21st birthday, it continues to grow,” says Luthuli.
The book is available online and at selected CNA stores nationwide at R80.
