5FM welcomes a new member to the family when Xyla, real name Yelanda Tyekela, joins the station starting this weekend. The 26-year-old East London native, who’s been in radio for four years, says the reality of working on the station hasn’t dawned on her as yet. Xyla takes over the weekend’s All Night Music shows, Saturday and Sunday from 01:00 – 04:00.

Xyla got her first taste of the airwaves through campus radio and it’s her love for engaging with listeners and guests that cemented her current career path. She is also a Masters student in Building (Property Development and Management) at Wits.

She is very passionate about music and says she has an eclectic taste ranging from golden oldies to contemporary. “I hate being boxed in and am currently enjoying rock from The Plastics, hip hop from Riky Rick and House from Black Coffee,” she says.

Xyla adds that she feels both honoured and ecstatic to join the station and is definitely ready to live loud. “I can’t wait for what lies ahead. 5FM’s always been a part of my life, I’ve been listening since my early days and never envisioned myself as part of this family. It feels natural to be here, like home.” She promises to deliver good quality radio because "even late night listeners deserve love". 

Xyla describes herself as hardworking, dedicated and quirky, "I'm different, but my mom said it’s fine. So, it's fine!"