Snl24 | Ayanda MVP to headline YFM’S Youth Month event

Ayanda MVP’s session at GRYND 2024 promises to equip young people with the tools they need to build their personal brands and succeed in the digital age.

Youth radio station Y (formerly YFM) will be kicking of Youth Month on a very inspiring and educational note.

They’ll be hosting their second edition of GRYND on Saturday, June 1st, in collaboration with First National Bank (FNB).

Focused on fostering diverse income streams and cultivating entrepreneurial spirit, GRYND aims to inspire attendees to creatively elevate their ‘side hustles’ using various digital platforms.

This year, GRYND 2024 is vibrating on a higher frequency and featuring an impressive lineup of speakers ready to impart their knowledge and success stories.

One of the standout speakers at this year’s event is radio host and DJ, Ayanda MVP. Born Ayanda Mdluli in the village of Glückstadt near Vryheid in KwaZulu-Natal, Ayanda has made significant strides in her 13-year career in radio. Currently, she hosts #HomeRunWithAyandaMVP on Yfm, captivating audiences from 15:00-18:00.

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The 33-year-old will lead a masterclass on ‘Building your personal brand in the digital age’ at GRYND 2024.

“The inspiration behind GRYND was the sheer number of young people seeking advice to break into the industry,” Ayanda explains.

“Instead of answering individual queries, we decided to host an event where all these questions could be addressed collectively. GRYND is that platform, connecting aspiring professionals with industry leaders who are young and at the forefront of leveraging digital platforms to succeed.”

Ayanda’s session is set to be a highlight. “I’ll be talking about how my brand evolved, not just on radio but visually as well,” she shares.

In the early days of her career, one of the most significant moves Ayanda MVP made was popularising the term “molifeng.” This catchy phrase, which means “in life,” became her signature tagline, setting her apart in the radio industry. Whether listeners found it endearing or slightly irritating, it ensured they remembered her.

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Starting at YFM, Ayanda consistently used “molifeng” during her shows, creating a strong personal brand. Even after moving to 947, she continued to promote the phrase, further cementing her identity. Although she no longer uses “molifeng” on air, Ayanda MVP is still widely recognised by it, showcasing the lasting impact of her early branding efforts.

Although she left YFM for 947 for a while, the change brought a significant turning point in her career growth.

“I was given significant opportunities that made me realise my potential. Standing in for major shows like Anele Mdoda’s breakfast show and representing big brands at events boosted my confidence. Returning to Yfm as a more mature and experienced host on the drive show marked another milestone.”

As for what’s next, Ayanda’s career continues to thrive. “I’m still hosting Home Run on Yfm and working as a club DJ. I’ve recently started hosting a television show on BET Africa called Beats and Rhymes, which explores music from different parts of the continent and the world. It’s an honor to be part of such a prestigious channel, and it’s opened up new avenues in my broadcasting career.”

Ayanda hopes GRYND will have a lasting impact on attendees. “I want young people to leave knowing they can achieve their dreams. Understanding that everyone has a unique journey is crucial. There’s no single path to success, and sometimes returning to your roots, like I did, can be incredibly rewarding.”