For two decades, Bafokeng “DJ Bootz” Ramoseeli has been a familiar voice on the airwaves of People’s Choice FM (PC FM), building a career that has endured changing audiences, evolving technology and the rise of social media.
What began as a weekend night radio slot has grown into a 20-year journey that has seen Bootz become the host of Mansion Afternoon Drive, one of the country’s most listened-to afternoon programmes.
Yet, looking back, he says he never imagined his journey with PC FM would last this long.
“Honestly, I didn’t think I would still be with PC FM two decades later. It is by God’s grace,” he says.
If there is one thing he remembers clearly from the beginning, however, it is the hunger he had for radio.
“One thing I remember is the hunger I had for what I do. I still have it today.”
That hunger, coupled with a commitment to learning, has been central to his longevity.
“The never-stop-learning attitude played an important role because of that my career grew,” Bootz says.
Bootz began his PC FM journey as a weekend night presenter, using the opportunity to develop his voice, understand his audience and sharpen his craft.
Over the years, he progressed through different programmes and eventually found himself behind the microphone of Mansion Afternoon Drive.
The transition from weekend nights to one of the station’s prominent drive-time slots reflects both his growth as a broadcaster and his ability to remain relevant in a rapidly changing industry.
For Bootz, the foundation of that longevity is simple: passion.
“The love and passion for what I do played an important role because I breathe, eat and everything with me is radio.”
But passion alone has not been enough.
Radio today operates in a vastly different environment from the one Bootz entered two decades ago. Smartphones, streaming platforms and social media have transformed the way audiences consume entertainment and information.
Bootz says competing with social media has been among the biggest challenges of his career, particularly the need to convince audiences that traditional radio still has a place in their lives.
“Having to compete with social media has been one of the hardest. Having to influence people that radio is still important.”
His continued presence on air is, perhaps, evidence that radio still has the power to adapt and remain relevant.
Bootz’s journey has also been shaped by people who recognised his potential before he had established himself. Among them is Tello Leballo, popularly known as Dallas T.
The two first crossed paths about 24 years ago, when Bootz was pursuing his first radio opportunity at Harvest FM.
At the time, he knew little about the technical side of broadcasting. He had heard of radio jingles but had no idea how to produce one. Someone directed him to Dallas T.
Although they did not know each other, Dallas T welcomed him and produced his first-ever radio jingle.
More significantly, he promised to follow his journey and help him grow. Bootz says that promise has endured.
“He has continued to do that all these years, supported me, even now he still plays a huge role and I’m forever grateful to him.”
Another important figure was the late DJ Thabie, whom Bootz credits with taking a chance on him at PC FM.
“He sacrificed by putting me on air at PC FM despite the risks and challenges of his actions,” Bootz recalls.
DJ Thabie helped mould him as a presenter, sometimes putting him on air even when he was not scheduled, and later played a role in helping him begin his career as a DJ.
Although DJ Thabie has since passed away, Bootz says his influence remains part of his story.
As he celebrates 20 years at PC FM, and 24 years connected to radio, Bootz says he is proud not only of his longevity but also of the people and opportunities that have shaped his career.
“I am so proud to have achieved this beautiful 20 years at PC FM with extra four on radio. I am proud to have rubbed shoulders with the best in the game.”
He also sees his career as a contribution to Lesotho’s cultural landscape.
“I have also contributed in putting my country on the map and my name will surely be written in the history books of this country.”
For someone who entered radio with little more than hunger and determination, the journey has become a testament to what consistency can produce.
His advice to young people hoping to follow a similar path is straightforward.
“Be passionate. Love and respect your job. It will return the favour. Always be humble.”
Twenty years after taking his place behind the microphone at PC FM, DJ Bootz’s story is no longer simply about a radio career.
It is a story of passion sustained by consistency, growth driven by learning, and a legacy built one broadcast at a time.
And after two decades, the hunger that brought him to the microphone remains. The microphone is still on.
Summary
- What began as a weekend night radio slot has grown into a 20-year journey that has seen Bootz become the host of Mansion Afternoon Drive, one of the country’s most listened-to afternoon programmes.
- The transition from weekend nights to one of the station’s prominent drive-time slots reflects both his growth as a broadcaster and his ability to remain relevant in a rapidly changing industry.
- DJ Thabie helped mould him as a presenter, sometimes putting him on air even when he was not scheduled, and later played a role in helping him begin his career as a DJ.
A Professional Communications practitioner with a wealth of expertise in marketing, public speaking, communication and media relations. I believe in learning everyday and improving one’s personal and professional capabilities.
* A former journalist and radio host who is passionate about media and it’s impact on society.
