Poppy Ntshongwana
Location
Johannesburg
Gauteng
About Poppy Ntshongwana
POPPY NTSHONGWANA
A Rising 5FM Star
"The best part about working for 5FM is I get to be myself, I work with talented people and I'm h4. constantly being challenged on so many levels. I embody the 5FM brand -- I'm youthful, and fun." So says chic Poppy Ntshongwana, one of 5FM's youngest presenters and up and coming DJ's.
Poppy got her start at 5FM as a news reader in 2005 -- her first paying job out of University, where she had enjoyed great success as a Drive-time news anchor at TUKS FM. Poppy has been a Contributor and News anchor on the Fresh Drive for the past four years. She's also been presenting her own show on Saturdays between 10:00 -- 14:00. Poppy will now be presenting early week day mornings starting on the 1st of April 2010 while remaining a fixture on 5FM's super popular afternoon drive show hosted by DJ Fresh.
Poppy says "Landing the job at 5FM was overwhelming at first, but also extremely exciting. I grew up listening to Nicole Fox, Ian F and Sasha Martinengo and was lucky to be mentored by them when I first arrived. They taught me a lot about the ins and outs of radio."
Poppy was born in Eastern Cape but grew up in Pretoria, where she attended St Mary's DSG in Pretoria. She then went to boarding school in Grahamstown at the Diocesan School for Girls. She was always into her Drama and Performing Arts at school, but didn't think at the time that she could successfully pursue a career in broadcasting.
Poppy has always been exceptionally ambitious, driven and determined; and she has most recently set her sights on building her profile as a DJ. "This year I would like to focus on my career as a Presenter and Club DJ, which would involve more gigging and more time on air. I'm learning so much right now, and I'm having fun whilst doing it. I am extremely happy at 5FM and plan to remain with the station for many years to come."
Poppy's greatest influences in her life to date have been her parents, and she is particularly inspired by women who have done or are doing great things. "I'm humbled by people who stop at nothing to achieve their goals. People who have nothing and achieve things other people would find impossible to fathom. "
The stylish presenter has many hobbies, including a love for fashion, gadgets and extreme sports. She loves reading and is a lover of all types of music -- from Andrea Boticelli to Linkin Park. Now with her own show on 5FM, it seems certain that Poppy Ntshongwana has a bright future ahead of her, coupled with a strong resolution to succeed.
The world according to Poppy:
What three words best describe your personality?
Determined, eclectic and conscientious.
Is there a book that has changed your life and why?
I was quite moved by an extract from Paulo Coelho's Alchemist: “Life really is generous to those who pursue their destiny". And I really believe that it is.
Who has been the person who inspired you the most and why?
My parents -- they’ve worked really hard to give us (my siblings and I) the lives and opportunities we’ve had. If I can be half of what they have been to me, I will have achieved something.
Who is the one person you would love to interview (and haven’t yet done so)?
Right now I'd love to interview Lady Gaga. What an interesting and complex human being. I am intrigued by her.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Do unto others, as you would like done unto you. (The Bible).
What music do you listen to?
Everything -- as long as it’s hot.
Your greatest extravagance?
Clothing , gadgets and perfume.
Three dinner guests?
Nelson Mandela, Jay-Z (artist) and Oprah.
What gives you hope about South Africa?
My peers. Everyone wants to succeed and they're all working on their dreams and leaving legacies behind.
What really irritates you?
People who abuse other people on any level.
