Presenter comes full circle
DURBAN-BASED national radio station Lotus FM recently announced its new presenter line-up, which took effect from April 1.
The station introduced minor changes to the line-up to ensure consistency with its audience while introducing new talent.
In one of the changes, Samantha Darsen now hosts The Weekend Recharge with Koobeshen Naidoo; and the Sunday Sizzle with Mohamed Vawda; on Saturday and Sunday respectively, between 6am and 9am.
Darsen, born and raised in Durban, describes herself as an extrovert, and finds joy in connecting with people, spending time with her fur babies and her family.
“With a love for storytelling and building genuine human bonds, radio holds a special place in my heart, allowing me to do all this.
“Growing up, I was an avid reader, often lost in the pages of books and almost always found in a library. The pursuit of knowledge has always charmed me, with a curiosity that knew no bounds,” Darsen said.
“As a child, I was curious and I loved being surrounded by people. I was also inquisitive and always challenged the status quo.
“My parents were sure that I would be a reporter or teacher someday. And when they found out about my current radio family, they knew that this is where I, ‘Miss Chatterbox’, was meant to be,” said Darsen.
“At school, I was always that child who wanted to sit at the front of the
class, and always put my hand up to be a part of everything.
“After matric, I began my Bachelor of Laws degree, which led me to a company as a legal editor, which carved a pathway to communications and media. And I have never looked back.
“I always wanted to be on the radio, relaying a sort of written word on a medium that reached so many people. I grew up in a home where Radio Lotus, back in the day, was the first thing that was switched on in the morning.
“So, I have literally grown with the family, and to now truly be a part of it, is surreal. It feels like coming full circle with South Africa’s only national Indian radio station,” she said.
Darsen’s radio journey began in 2012. She went for an interview with a community radio station to launch a CD as a performing local artist, and fell in love with radio.
Then, in 2018, after the launch of her third CD of devotional songs at another community and online radio station, she was offered the role of co-host on its breakfast show.
“I sent a demo to the Lotus team and joined as a producer. I produced The Weekend Recharge and Morning Masala, and have filled in as a host on various shows. Joining the station in 2022 has been the happiest years of my life.
“I have colleagues who are incredibly special, a management team that is supportive and the best co-hosts I could ask for.
“The best part of being a presenter is the synergy among the listeners, my co-hosts and I.
“Each show is more like a fun gathering with good friends.
“Our shows encapsulate comedy sketches, trivia, trending topics and the spiciest talking points that lead to the most interesting viewpoints.
“Being a part of the family gives me an opportunity to reach countless homes and hearts in South Africa and internationally – and I am truly grateful,” said Darsen.
She is currently a Master’s student in human sciences, and hopes to add the title of doctor to her name someday.