Mr Magic returns: Linda Sibiya joins Gagasi FM to reclaim his radio throne

Lutho Pasiya|Published

Linda Sibiya, widely known as "Mr Magic", has returned to the mic on Gagasi FM, bringing his signature energy and experience back to South African radio.

Image: File

Linda Sibiya, widely known as Mr Magic, has made a high-profile return to radio, joining Gagasi FM as part of the station’s 2026/2027 line-up.

He now hosts the “Early Morning” show midweek from 5am to 6am and the “Sunday Devotion” show from 6am to 10am, reconnecting with audiences eager for his voice and perspective.

Sibiya kicked off 2026 by co-hosting the Gagasi FM Crossover show with Selbeyonce (Selby Mkhize). The broadcast ran through the final hours of the year and included a Top 100 countdown.

Listener demand was so high that the station’s streaming app temporarily crashed, leaving many unable to tune in. The response underscored how much fans had been waiting to hear him on air again.

Reflecting on his return, Sibiya said, “I’m happy. Last year, I did the crossover. This year, they said come join us and I was like, why not. It’s good. It’s not over until God says it’s over. Run your race. Discover who you are, develop positive thinking, and run your race.”

Sibiya’s broadcasting career spans decades. From 1996 to 2014, he was at Ukhozi FM, hosting shows including “Vuka Mzansi”.

After leaving, he joined Vuma 103 FM to host the “Kwasa Breakfast” show from 2014 to 2016. In 2022, he assisted with the launch and presenter training at Mvula FM in Newcastle.

During his time away from national radio, Sibiya launched the Linda Sibiya Podcast and appeared as himself on the SABC 1 soap opera “Uzalo”, portraying a radio legend joining K-Mash FM.

Sibiya is credited with revolutionising vernacular radio. At Ukhozi FM, he moved programming away from purely traditional formats toward a more contemporary, relatable style, appealing to a broader audience.

On the breakfast show “Vuka Mzansi", he commanded record listenership, solidifying Ukhozi FM’s status as one of the largest radio stations in the world.

Also known as Mr Local, he has championed South African music, particularly kwaito and kasi music, at a time when many presenters focused on international content.

He introduced innovative segments, including motivational speeches, which became a daily staple for listeners seeking inspiration alongside entertainment.

Sibiya has also mentored and influenced a generation of broadcasters, shaping the next wave of South African radio talent.

With his permanent return to Gagasi FM, he is once again bringing energy, insight and a uniquely local perspective to the airwaves, reconnecting with listeners and continuing his legacy in the industry.