Y is stepping into a powerful new era, turning up the volume on everything that matters to youth culture right now. Known for championing fresh talent and pushing boundaries in broadcasting, the station has unveiled its 2026 line-up — a bold reflection of where the culture is headed next.

Over the past year, Y has continued to grow its audience and evolve its sound, cementing its position as a leader in youth-driven media. With an ever-expanding platform that goes beyond radio, the station remains committed to amplifying new voices, shaping conversations, and creating experiences that genuinely connect.

This season signals a shift — one that’s louder, sharper and more intentional.

Weekday Highlights: Fresh Voices, Familiar Energy

The Glow Up Enters a New Chapter

Mid-mornings are entering a brand-new era as Karen Mthethwa steps into the 9AM–12PM slot with The Glow Up, ushering in a fresh chapter for the show. Her arrival marks an exciting evolution, while the station bids farewell to Xtremme, a long-standing voice who has been part of Y’s journey for over a decade as he pursues other business ventures.

UNCENSORED Levels Up

Weekday nights are getting a serious upgrade. Media powerhouse Barbara “Baxbara” Moagi joins forces with Tulz Madala as co-host of UNCENSORED (8PM–10PM), forming a fearless duo ready to push boundaries. Expect bold takes, unfiltered opinions and dynamic on-air chemistry. The station bids farewell to Dimpho Makgotho, a Y favourite for the past four years, as she steps away to pursue new ventures.

Prime-Time Powerhouses

The Way Up (5AM–9AM), hosted by Nia Brown and Okay Wasabi, alongside Home Run (3PM–6PM) with Ayanda MVP and co-host Sinaye Kotobe, remain the heartbeat of the station. These flagship shows continue to blend culture, conversation and cutting-edge music, creating moments that feel relevant, engaging and authentically connected to youth audiences.

Hip Hop, Weekends and Cultural Energy

A Golden Era for Hip Hop

Hip Hop at Y steps into a new era with DJ Sliqe and Roiii taking over Sunday evenings (7PM–10PM). The show promises authenticity, high energy and a deeper connection to the streets, spotlighting the sounds and stories shaping the movement right now.

Saturday Glow-Up

Saturdays get a cultural refresh with Munaka hosting The Rizz (5PM–6PM), spotlighting rising stars and bridging what’s hot in the streets with what’s next on Y.

Karma Karma Radio, hosted by Shimza, takes over Saturday nights (9PM–10PM), marking a full-circle moment from his early days on the YTKO mix platform. KMass joins the weekend line-up for the 10AM–2PM slot, bringing fresh momentum to daytime programming.

Club Y Expands Its Reach

Club Y continues to dominate both the airwaves and the streets. With an expanded DJ roster, the mix show returns bigger than ever. Y welcomes DJ Tshegu to a powerful line-up that already includes Shakes & Les, Ggoldie, Venom, Rarri, DJ Pedabotic, Lesedi The DJ, Legendary Crisp, Just Mo and DJ Samba.

After leaving a lasting mark on the airwaves and helping shape the Club Y brand, the station bids farewell to DJ Zan-D, whose contribution to the culture and Y legacy remains significant.

Beyond FM: Digital Expansion

Y’s digital universe is growing into a full-scale content network. Building on the success of Tell Us Y with Hey Shawty and Culture Locked with Perceey ASF, two new digital shows join the ecosystem:

  • It’s an Uncool Show with Uncool MC — diving deep into Amapiano culture and offering an insider perspective on the genre shaping today’s sound.
  • Money Talks hosted by media personality Lerai — tackling bold conversations around youth, money, politics and the realities shaping the next generation.

As part of Y’s “Beyond FM” strategy, the station continues to expand its reach, creating a dynamic, always-on content experience across platforms.

Iconic Events Continue

From GRYND to LYFE to First Touch, Y remains at the forefront of youth culture through its signature events, continuing to create unforgettable moments that move the culture forward.

“This line-up is a true reflection of where we are as a brand and where youth culture is going. We’re constantly evolving, constantly creating, and always looking for new ways to connect with our audience. 2026 is about being louder, bolder, and more fearless than ever before. And Y NOT?”
— Phindile Ziqubu, Programme Manager

The new Y line-up goes live from Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

Full 2026 Programming Schedule

Monday – Friday

  • 05:00–09:00 — The Way Up (Nia Brown and Okay Wasabi)
  • 09:00–12:00 — The Glow Up (Karen Mthethwa)
  • 12:00–15:00 — The Lunch League (Caddy and Yvette Floss)
  • 15:00–18:00 — Home Run (Ayanda MVP and Sinaye Kotobe)
  • 18:00–19:00 — Happy Hour (Sinaye Kotobe)
  • 19:00–20:00 — Club Y (DJs on rotation)
  • 20:00–22:00 — UNCENSORED (Barbara “Baxbara” Moagi and Tulz Madala)
  • 22:00–00:00 — Savage Nights (Thabo X and Shamiso)

Thursday

  • 22:00–00:00 — On the Streets with Major Steez

Friday

  • 20:00–00:00 — Hype Factory with Hype the Innovator

Saturdays

  • 06:00–09:00 — Wake N’ Shake with Sizwe M
  • 09:00–10:00 — Ready, Set, Hired with Noni Khumalo
  • 10:00–14:00 — The Mass Takeover with KMass
  • 14:00–17:00 — Supreme Saturdays with Thabo X
  • 17:00–18:00 — The Rizz with Munaka
  • 18:00–20:00 — All Girls on Deck with DJ Fae Fae
  • 21:00–22:00 — Karma Karma Radio with Shimza

Sundays

  • 06:00–10:00 — Sunday Feels (Part 1) with Sizwe M
  • 10:00–14:00 — Sunday Feels (Part 2) with KMass
  • 14:00–16:00 — The Global Experience with Just Mo
  • 16:00–19:00 — Sundaze with Fif_Laaa
  • 19:00–22:00 — The Agenda with DJ Sliqe & Roiii

Listeners can tune in via the YFM App, yfm.co.za, OpenView HD, DStv Channel 859 or on FM 99.2.