DJ Sabby shares his festive family traditions and Metro FM journey

Broadcaster and creative DJ Sabby, this year, is choosing a cosy, home-centred Christmas with his growing family.

With the Christmas tree already up since mid-November and the house fully decked out in festive décor, DJ Sabby, real name Sabelo Mtshali, shared with IOL that this year feels extra special as it marks his daughter’s first “real” Christmas, one she’ll actually remember.

DJ Sabby's household has spent the last few festive seasons travelling across the country, with George becoming a firm family favourite, but 2025 called for something different.

“It just felt right to be home,” he says, laughing about plans to eat out and return for dessert only. “Less dishes,” he adds, a festive philosophy many parents can relate to.

After three years at the helm of Metro FM’s Breakfast Show, DJ Sabby has settled comfortably into his role as one of the country’s most trusted morning voices. And if the numbers, audience loyalty and daily engagement are anything to go by, South Africans are more than happy to start their day with him.

Reflecting on his journey, DJ Sabby describes the experience as organic and deeply fulfilling. For him, radio has always been about connection, giving listeners space to get to know him, while he earns the privilege of shaping how they begin their mornings.

“You want people to understand that you’re coming through with a better offering,” he says. “The growth of the show, the audience response and the support we continue to receive show that people are responding well. That’s something I’m really grateful for.”

Beyond the microphone, Sabby is a man of many creative pursuits. From music to podcasting and content creation, his portfolio continues to expand, but with intention. These days, he’s less interested in doing everything and more focused on doing the right things.

“You make time for what you love,” he explains. “Not everything I do is driven by money anymore. It’s about how each project fits into the bigger vision of who DJ Sabby is becoming.”

That clarity has also taught him the power of saying no. With years of experience behind him, Sabby has reached a stage where selectivity is key. Opportunities that don’t align with his values or long-term direction are politely declined.

“You can’t do everything,” he says. “Sometimes an opportunity might be better suited for someone else, and that’s okay.”

Looking back on 2025, Sabby describes it as a year filled with gratitude, growth, and lessons.

Professionally, he remains thankful to still be behind the microphone, working with the same breakfast show team, something he doesn’t take lightly in an industry where teams often change.

“To still have the same people year after year is a blessing,” he shares.

On a personal level, the year brought significant milestones. His daughter turned one, his son prepares to move into ‘big school’ next year, and his marriage continues to thrive.

Turning 36 next year, DJ Sabby jokes about officially saying goodbye to his youth, but speaks candidly about entering a new phase of maturity and self-awareness. “We take losses here and there, but they’re lessons more than anything,” he reflects.

With African collaborations dominating the global soundscape, DJ Sabby believes creatives across music, fashion and content creation are perfectly positioned to collaborate more intentionally.

He’s eager to not only work with artists across borders, but to physically explore the continent, with Ghana, Botswana and Zimbabwe high on his travel wish list. “I’ve travelled the world, but there are African countries I still haven’t experienced,” he admits.