In an entertainment landscape often crowded by fleeting moments and viral faces, Thabile Masuku, affectionately known as TTO – Thabile Takes Over, is carving a lane that’s built to last. With a voice made for radio, a screen presence that commands attention, and a digital flair that connects with the masses, Thabile is not just in the entertainment industry, he’s shaping it.
Currently lighting up Johannesburg’s airwaves on 947, Thabile brings the heat every week on the 947 Top 40 Powered by Hyundai with his vibrant feature, The 947 Gig Guide. But beyond the mic, he’s a walking blueprint of resilience, evolution, and intentional impact.
Thabile’s media journey kicked off in 2017 at Boston Media House, where he joined the inaugural class of presenters on BMH Radio. That same year, in true “takeover” fashion, he launched his YouTube show Thabile Takes Over, creating space for interviews with African stars like Bonang Matheba, Cassper Nyovest, Sarkodie, and Boity, long before most students had even figured out their majors.
His show wasn’t just a student project, it was a bold statement: I’m here, and I’m ready.
The Rise of TTO
From campus radio to continental campaigns, Thabile’s rise has been nothing short of electric. He’s fronted massive brand activations, including the Fanta 2022–2023 Campaign, which spanned South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria. In 2023, he joined the Suzuki 947 AMP Squad, and soon after, made waves as the Purple Carpet Host at the DSTV Content Creator Awards.
And that was just the beginning.
By 2024, Thabile was hosting the Blue Carpet at the TOP 16 Youth-Owned Brand Awards and sharing his industry insights at the DSTV Content Creator Workshop. In every room he enters, he brings not just charisma, but a genuine intention to represent, uplift, and empower.
The Q&A: Thabile Masuku Unfiltered
Q1: Your journey started with campus radio and a self-launched YouTube show. What gave you the courage to bet on yourself so early?
A: Growing up, I wasn’t the typical sports or cartoon kid, I gravitated towards music and entertainment shows. By the time I got to varsity, I had a clear vision of who I wanted to be. My mom played a big part, she sparked the idea during a chat we had after I’d joined BMH Radio and won a competition sponsored by Bonang Matheba. Of course, I made mistakes in the beginning, but they helped me refine my craft and build real connections with my audience.
Q2: As someone who’s worked across radio, TV, and digital platforms, which medium empowers you the most—and why?
A: Definitely radio. It’s where I’ve spent the most time, from BMH Radio to Channel Africa, Massive Metro, Vow 88.1, and now 947. Radio strips away the distractions, it’s all about your mind, your voice, and how you bring the content to life for the listener.
Q3: You’ve worked with major brands and hosted high-profile red carpets. How do you stay grounded?
A: Two things, first, my love and passion for what I do. I’ve gone from being the kid who watched TV and listened to radio, to now being part of what people watch and hear. That alone keeps me humbled. Second, I’ve seen a lot of people come and go in this industry. The fear of not doing what I love is real, and it keeps me focused and committed to delivering quality consistently.
Q4: What advice do you have for young creatives trying to break into the industry without traditional connections?
A: First, keep a clean digital footprint. That stuff matters. Second, collaboration has been my biggest cheat code, year after year, I work with people who align with my vision, and every time it opens new doors. So collaborate, build together, and don’t be afraid to create your own lane.
Q5: What does “Empowering Perspectives” mean to you, and how do you hope your work influences future broadcasters?
A: To me, it means staying true to myself while constantly evolving and reinventing. Whether on radio or through brand campaigns, I lead with honesty and intention. I want young people to see that they don’t have to fit a mold, they can build their own. Authenticity, consistency, and passion, that’s the formula.
Rapid Fire: The Fun Side of TTO
Q6: What’s the one song you’ll never skip?
A: Riky Rick ft. A-Reece – “Pick You Up”. A-Reece’s verse? My all-time favorite.
Q7: If you could co-host with any celebrity—dead or alive—who would it be?
A: Three picks: The late OG Chilli M, I’d have learned so much about broadcasting. Bonang Matheba, she’s iconic and sponsored my early journey. And Karen Mthethwa from YFM, our energy at the Youth-Owned Brand Awards was fire. I’d love to do more with her.
Q8: Craziest DM since becoming TTO? Spill it.
A: A listener once offered to fly me to and from Cape Town, but on the condition that we’d “spend a few nights together” while I was there! I laughed it off and respectfully declined. That’s not how I roll!
The Takeover Continues
Thabile Masuku is more than a voice on the air, his a mentor in the making, and a megawatt personality with a mission. Whether it’s spotlighting the hottest gigs, curating digital content that connects, or mentoring by example, TTO is proving that the future of South African media is bright, and it’s already in motion.
Watch as TTO takes you behind the mic, behind the moments, and behind the magic in his latest vlog.
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