News anchor and musician William Lehong is a familiar voice in SA. He’s worked on the news channel eNCA, hosted Metro FM’s Top 40 hits, and now cohosts e.tv’s daily breakfast show, The Morning Show. We chatted with him about fatherhood, work, life and more.
AS A MORNING SHOW HOST, WHAT DOES YOUR TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?
It starts at 2am when my alarm goes off. I catch up on all the news, sport and lifestyle events. My call time is 5am. This means I get to bed very early the night before, at 8pm.
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR MUSIC SOUND
It’s Afrobeats – typically referred to as Afro pop in South Africa. My first single, ‘Next to Me’, is playlisted on BBC’s 1Xtra.
MUSIC OR THE NEWSDESK – WHAT’S YOUR FIRST LOVE?
Definitely music!
“During lockdown, I found my singing voice and confidence as an artist.“
ANY NEW PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE?
My EP is coming out before Valentine’s Day, with new singles ‘SBWL’ and ‘Ngigcwele’, along with really cool music videos and some fantastic Afrobeat love songs. You’ll see a lot more of me on The Morning Show as well as on other shows on e.tv. And #awesomeradio is making a huge return; I’m coming back to radio after a three-year hiatus. That’s all I’m saying for now!
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR UPBRINGING?
Lots of reading and education. My mom is a teacher, and she always encouraged us to read books, so my love for storytelling has been cultivated from early childhood.
AND YOUR FAMILY…
I’m the firstborn son of two; our parents are separated. My brother and I were raised by a strong, grounded and hardworking single mother. As the oldest I had to look after the household – that’s where my leadership skills come from. I’ve always led by example.
DESCRIBE YOUR FATHERHOOD JOURNEY?
It started early; I had my first daughter when I was barely out of varsity. The values I’ve instilled in her are those that were passed on to me by my dad. We didn’t live together, but he was present. I now have another daughter who is just over 14 months.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST LESSON AS A DAD?
When circumstances change between parents, as a dad, you have to maintain your responsibility and presence regardless.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS YEAR?
New opportunities to reinvent my brand beyond being a seasoned broadcaster on multiple platforms. During lockdown, I found my singing voice and confidence as an artist. I’ll be sharing new music that I’ve written, produced and arranged.
BY KOKETSO MASHIKA
Q&A WITH WILLIAM LEHONG
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
December 23, 2020
Rating:
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
December 23, 2020
Rating:
