WYC Radio

In the late 80's Westbury was infested with gangsters that had no mercy towards other gang members. During that time the community had a form of entertainment to help them forget about the daily violent activities and it was called "Toasties" Bridget Munnik, a community leader and a well known social worker partnered up with Charles Louw, an activist and a comrade, to give us a taste of their former life. They gained the reputation of King and Queen of the dance floor. Aunty Bridget and uncle Charles joins Uncle Couzen in studio and takes us on a waltz down memory lane from one club to the next showcasing their amazing craft. The good news to this story is that the gangsters traded in all their weapons to strut their moves on the dance floor. Just goes to show how powerful this medium is. Photo by Martin Bouwers

Let me start off by reminding you of the importance of our culture, food and our health, without these we are merely existing. Meet Miche Fabre Lewin and Gathrone Hardy two researchers who have a passion for sustaining the earth. Uncle Couzen meets with them at the Johannesburg Culinary and Pastry School, for an in depth interview where they inform us on just that. They unearth their collaboration with the school with regards to their coming together and proudly speak about the future with reference to our current environment. Listen carefully as they reveal the benefits of mother earth and come to the realization that our soil is our gold. Photo By Alsenio Philander

Matthew Kidmore, a young man from deep in the rural Northern Cape province, came to Johannesburg known as the city of gold. As he got to Jozi, he discovered that the music industry was on track and since he had a passion for music he started creating music. With both his parents deceased he had no support, the music industry was a hard place to get in and so he decided to study at a local institute while holding on to his dream. He was homeless for a while but music became his comfort. Music - Matthew Kidmore - Physical Ballance - Makuapeni a.k,a side chick

Rafique Ferguson, born, bread and buttered in Westbury, got hooked on drugs at a very early age in his life. He was addicted to drugs for 20 long years. We through either personal experience or the experience of our families know the end result of drugs. It either results in mental and or physical scarring, prison or death. He luckily escaped death. Sit down with Uncle Couzen in Uncle Couzen's Lounge and listen to the story of a remarkable man. Music Black Daimond - When I Smoke Black Daimond - Gangta Holliday Photo by Unknown

SOMEONE just got paid! Billaal Hendricks a.k.a Cosmic Sky just got his first pay check from his newly signed record label, as we sit with dollar signs in our eyes. Uncle Couzen is joined in studio by Your Girl T (Natasha Hein)and Billaal, who has opened a music production class at the Westbury Youth Centre. He has a total of 9 students, thus far. Mr Cosmic Sky has been on Uncle Couzen's Lounge before, https://soundcloud.com?q=my%20music%20rocked%20berlin a few weeks ago and i only played a few of his latest tracks. On this particular show we dig into his first album(that he created, mixed and produced} and we also hear about the lack of support that his mom has been giving him. Here's what he had to say... Music by Cosmic Sky Photo by Unknown

Women's month edition: Women of worth In August we celebrate women's month in South Africa and how fitting is it that Uncle Couzen has a women in studio? The women in questioning is Megan Hahn, who can be described as strong and beautiful. She shares her story about her 10 year battle with drug abuse. She, two months ago, decided that enough was enough. She is a work in progress and she deserves to be celebrated and supported. Find out more on Uncle Couzen's Lounge and listen in on how this women overcomes her spiritual battle. Music in order of appearance: Hunger for life: The Nuri Ladder to the stars Photo by Matias harju

Bilaal Hendricks, a young man from Westbury, Johannesburg has a dream of becoming a producer. How it all began... It all started when he agreed to do a few DJing gigs for his friends and the rest is history. Or is it? He later went on and produced his own EP, which opened a few doors locally. Mr Cosmic Sky, as his known, reveals to Uncle Couzen just how he had to hustle to make himself known to the world. His big break finally came when two famous DJ's, Dimetry Vegas and Like Mike heard his music on SOUNDCLOUD requesting his permission to play his music at one of the biggest music festivals in Berlin, Germany, which is called Tomorrow Land. The fruits of his labour did not end there. In May 2015 he got signed by one of South Africa's biggest recording labels, Afrika Motion. Temporary photo (waiting for the right one) by Matias Harju

Ke ago amogela mo lenaneyong la Phaphusi, ke kgaolo ya borobedi (8). Mme lenaneyo lone le bua ka tsothle tse resa dirutiwang ko sekolong. Ma-Aforika bale bantsi ba setse ba ingangatletse ka ngwayo ya bona, golo gantsi ga gotliwa mogo tsa setso. Bontsi jwa bone ba setse ba duela magadi ka dikgomo. Magadi ke eng? Goreng magadi a tshwanetswe ke gorerwa? Ke mang yo o maleba goka rera magadi? Ke bone gole botlhokwa gore ke tlhophe James Seteelo gotla gobuisana le ene katsa magadi, gonne James o ile a tlhoya tsebe fa gone go rerwa magadi aga kgaitsadiagwe ko lapeng. James o utlwileng? Retla utlwa ka ene. Music: Ngoma by Groff, feat. Black Tablet and Tona We've Got The Balls by The Plastic Explosives Photo: Matias Harju

Awe couzens, meet Kelvin Joel, a guy from Westbury west of Johannesburg, South Africa. He dropped out of school at the tender age of 12 and started selling drugs for a gang leader, as the story of a young guy often went those days. But as time went on, he was provided with shelter by a local church under conditions that he would take over the cooking for the church members. It was not long after that Kelvin fell in love with cooking. Without the idea that it would change his life forever. Later he managed to complete school and received a diploma in hotel management. He met up with pastry chef Linda Kotze and won a scholarship in Atlanta, US, where he discovered he wanted to be a pastry chef. Not long after he was offered a job at one of South Africa's top hotel groups and became the first black pastry chef to work at Sandton Sun Hotel. It did not end there. Kelvin also represented South Africa at the Culinary Olympics in Germany 2003. Today Kelvin runs the successful Johannesburg Culinary and Pastry school together with his wife and is training young passionate people to pursue their dreams and change their attitude towards life. Come and listen. You will be inspired. Westbury has seen the world. The world still needs to see Westbury. Music: Black Diamond: Keep your head up Black Diamond: Been in this position before Photo: Chellon Garth Palmer

Welcome to another one of Uncle Couzen’s special and crazy Lounges. I’m always very unlucky when it comes to invited quests’ showing up. But the show must go on! Uncle Couzen fought back, and this Friday’s episode turned out to be uitsteekend, a show to remember. A big thanks goes to Dick Solomons, a social worker at the Westbury Youth Centre, and Keisha Maconi, a good friend of mine and a student of life, who came to join me on a very short notice. 

Today we debate how technology has evolved and what impact, both positive and negative, it has on our kids. The elderly people often say, that things were better in the old days when there was less technology and more played games and hung around in huge groups. But as time has gone by, things have become a lot more dangerous and kids are placed in the safety of their homes with more technology. Their gadgets have become their best friends – or their worst enemies. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Is there a right or a wrong? Please listen and comment. Music in order of appearance: Dem Goofy Ninjas: Burger and Chips Dem Goofy Ninjas: Pizza Men

 Photo: Tshegofatso Mabe

Welcome to the Classroom! This is the seventh episode of my weekly show, all about the things they never taught us in school. When the South Africans fall in love and get married, they still, up to this day, pay lobola for the brides-to-be. What is lobola exactly? Who is suppose to negotiate and decide on lobola? What do you say or talk about when you negotiate lobola? How much is it? For this love negotiation Classroom I am joined by James Seetelo, a young Tswana man who happened to hear his sister's lobola negotiations. Music: Love Story by Shezzy.K Wedding Song by Bill Frueh Photo: Martin Bouwers

If you listened to Uncle Couzen's Lounge Episode 9, you already know this super strong, sexy and succesful woman. Last week she joined Uncle Couzen in studio, but because the magic of her work happens in her Bakery, I could not resist a chance to pay her a visit. Portia Esau opened her own Bakery three years ago at her home and since 2015 she has been running her business at the premises of Together Action Group in Westbury. When I got to the bakery I was overwhelmed with the scent of freshly baked cakes. Red Velvet in particular is one of Portia's signature cakes. Come inside to learn how it was traditionally made and how to check when the cake is baked to perfection. And how did she come about renting this bakery? "That's a story on its own." And the story is here. Music: Jak De Priester - 'n Foto Photo: Natasha Hein T.A.G. Together Action Group (www.facebook.com/pages/Together-Action-Group/482610968433642) is an organisation that does a lot of community work in Westbury, like an afterschool program and a feeding scheme that feeds more than hundred children.

Welcome to the Classroom, a show dedicated to all the things they never taught us in school. This is my second episode in Setswana. Areyeng! If you listened to episode 4, The Classroom with Steven Pienaar’s former coach Clive Wessels, you already know this guy. Thabang Loeto is a talented soccer player from North West. He’s on his way to professional soccer, so the front row asks: How do you take care of the talent you have? What are you doing to make it work for you in the future? What do you think about the tips that Clive Wessels gave to you a few weeks ago? Do they work? And all in all, can your hard work take you somewhere you wish to be? Music in order of appearance: Whatever feat Gucci Mane/young Dro by QMachette Chat Cox: Who Wan't it Photo: Lyndlee Johnson Phaphusi - Lenaneyo 6 : Itirele tsela ya gago goya porofeshenale Ke ago amogela mo lenaneyong la Classroom, Ke kgaolo ya borataro (6) ebile ke lenaneyo la bobedi (2) ka leleme la Setswana. Mme lenaneyo lone le bua ka tsotlhe tse resa dirutiwang ko sekolong. Fa oka reetsa thulaganyo yabone (4), The classroom le mokatise wapele waga Steven Pienaar e leng Clive Wessels, O setse o itse monna yo o. Thabang Loeto ke setshamiki sa kgwele ya maoto gotswa ko Bokone Bophirima.o motseleng ya gaagwe goya ko porofeshenale, Yanong mela e e latelang ya botsa: O tlhokomela yang talente e o nang le yone? O dira eng gonetefatsa gore yago berekela mobokamosong jwa gago? O nagana eng ka maele a Clive Wessels ago neileng one ka bekenyana tse difitileng? A dia bereka? Ene gotlhe mo o, Ago dira kanatla ga gago goka gotseela gongwe ko o lakatsang gonna gone?

Put three beautiful ladies in a studio. Get a beautiful chickchat. Right? Right! This week I explore how women react to questions from the opposite sex. What questions? Questions like the biggest sacrifices we've had to make to achieve a goal, do girls snore, is a woman's place in the kitchen. Who's the opposite sex? It's guys that are on my social networks. Who are the women? They're Calista Petersen, a black eyeliner fanatic, and Deanelle Van Greenen, a hair color enthusiast. So sit back, relax and lend your ears to somewhat weird, crazy and funny questions. Photo by Martin Bouwers Music in order of appearance by Beverly Girl: Go with what you got Beverly Girl: Move on PS. One more thing before I let you listen, there's a few technical issues in the beginning of the show.

Brand new week, brand new episode. For the sake of the 10th of May, I wanted to pay tribute to all the mothers in the world. I also, for the very first time, wanted to have two guys in the WYC Sound Hub studio, with me. So it's about to go down! Drum roll please. Miss T introduces you to Martin Bouwers and James Seetelo. They are as crazy as I am, as they were willing to engage in this profound, sincere and hilarious discussion about their relationship with their mothers. So sit back and have a listen. Photo:
Chellon Garth Palmer Music:
 Black Diamond: Intro

Portia Esau is a beautiful, smart, sexy and successful woman who changed her stars by baking. She joins Uncle Couzen in his lounge and starts by giving credit to her grandfather for influencing her way to the kitchen. However, not all was good and well for young Portia in Westbury. She had to keep her dreams on hold for many years. She worked very hard, in many corporate jobs, even overseas, to put food on the table for her family – and witnessed how her brother almost destroyed his and the whole family’s lives through drugs. What motivated her even more was the loss of a very close family member, and her drive grew even stronger, when she became a mom. Uncle Couzen introduces you to a superstrong woman who always praises God for her blessings. And now, after a lot of hard work and struggle, she has her own successful bakery in Westbury. Here's her recipe to success. Music: Louis Presentation - I'm Free Photo: Natasha Hein

In a community filled with terror and violence Roystan Le Bon, a 13 year old teen, shot and killed the man who terrorised him and his family. Now a professional actor and rapper. In this second half of his story Roystan tells us how he found himself in acting and music, and how he is giving back to the very same community. If you missed the first part of the story, episode 8.1, where Roystan tells us what happened in 1995 when everything stopped and everything started, you can listen to it here https://soundcloud.com/wycradio/uncle-couzens-lounge-episode-8-part-1 Music: Black Diamond aka Roystan Le Bon - Isolated Star Photo: Chellon Garth Palmer

In a community filled with terror and violence Roystan Le Bon, a 13 year old teen, shot and killed the man who terrorized him and his family. Now his a professional actor and rapper. Roystan shares his story with Uncle Couzen on what exactly happened that year in 1995. How everything stopped and started at the very same time. This first half of Roystan's story ends by the gates of prison. In the second half, Episode 8.2, the story goes on how he survived prison and how his doing all he can for no kid to live through what he did. You can listen to the second half of this incredible story here https://soundcloud.com/wycradio/uncle-couzens-lounge-episode-8-part-2 Music: Black Diamond aka Roystan Le Bon - Trails and Tribulations Photo: Chellon Garth Palmer

"How to survive in this world?" was my very first podcast show. How I survived it? Hmmmm, have a listen. Tell me! Have you ever wanted to know how someone other than yourself survived moments in their life? Wonder no further. I'll introduce you to Roelle Stuurman, a very wise and passionate woman, who shares with great eagerness four life defining moments that she had to survive in this world. So borrow me your ears and explore how to survive your first interview or even the death of a loved one. Photo by Matias Harju Music in order of appearance by Track Jackit: Questions Answered The Plastic Explosives: Keep It Up

Welcome to The Classroom, a show about all the things they never taught me in school. This is my 4th episode. Finally on soccer! Who took Steven Pienaar, a world class soccer player from Westbury, to the proffesional football teams? Clive Wessels, my guest of today. Clive Wessels joins the Classroom to talk about how he helped Steven Pienaar to go professional and how young talented players can build their career in football. "Baby" also tells us what he is doing now to help his community. Go, Westbury Argentina! Music : The Plastic Explosives: We've Got the Balls Photo : Chellon Garth Palmer

Uncle Couzen is joined by Owen Ragebult, a well groomed young man and a brave entrepreneur. Owen tells us how he and his wife met, and it's clear that his wife meant a lot to him. But then, after two years of marriage, he lost his Queen prematurely. What happened? How did he make it? Who came to his aid? Life just doesn't take. It also leaves you with something. In Owen's case he has gained hope and his hope has helped him to achieve his dreams, which has given him the opportunity to give back to many young people. Music: The Artisans Song: True Moments Photo: Matias Harju

Welcome back to the Classroom! This is the second episode of my weekly show about all the things they never taught me in school. Today I want to learn more about the importance of having a garden and also about giving them respect. Why are gardens so important in our life? Tsholofelo and Shalton work in the garden of Westbury Youth Centre. They have put it up with their own hands on a space that used to be a wasteland. Listen to how gardens can benefit communities and individuals as well. Music: Ngoma by Groff feat. Black Tablet and Tona Photo: Chellon Garth Palmer

Welcome to the Classroom. This third episode of my show might be the world’s first podcast in Tswana language! But as the Classroom is about all the things they never taught me in school, please let me know if someone did it already. So, how are you celebrating your Easter? What would you do if never got another chance to celebrate Easter holidays? Have you done anything bad in Easter? Vincent Majela, my brother, joined me in the Easter Classroom to tell us about all the things he has done with his friends and family during the Easter holidays. Music: Amitron_7 - Glory end what grace begun Gospel of mars - Venus Photo: Natasha Hein Phaphusi - Lenaneyo 3: Ke tsela efe e e siameng goka keteka tsatsi la paseka? Ke ago amogela mo lenaneyong la Phaphusi, ke kgaolo ya boraro (3) ebile ke lenaneyo lantlha (1) la leleme la setswana. Mme lenaneyo lone le bua ka tsotlhe tse osa di rutiwang ko sekolong. O keteka yang letsatsi la gago la paseka? Otla dira eng fa oka setlhole o bona tshono yago keteka tsatsi la paseka? O dirile eng se se phoso se o kitlang o selebala ka nako eo o neng o keteka tsatsi la gago la paseka? Go ntseile ura (hour) gobua le Vincent Majela ka mokgwa yo ene a ketekang letsatsi la gaagwe la paseka ka gone, le ka tsotlhe tse a didirang fa ana le ditsala tsa gaagwe le balosika.

Sometimes things just don't go according to plan, but it makes way for crazy opportunities. Martin Bouwers a.k.a. Uncle Couzen invites two of his fellow students, Chellon Palmer and Natasha Hein, to one crazy conversation about how to get a partner the traditional way. Why is it so difficult? During the upcoming 40 minutes of GOLDEN STOFPRAAT I share my personal first love story and how I got the girl. Natasha takes us through the hell a man has to go through to just get her attention, while Chellon breaks the silence about the road he takes to get a girlfriend. Join the lounge for close up moments and a lot of laughter. Photo: Chellon Garth Palmer

Alcohol is a substance not spoken about very often. Uncle Couzen invites to his lounge the senior councilor of Westbury Youth Centre, "Auntie Bree" (Bridget Munnick), who has been dealing with many families thorn apart by this devastating substance. By the side of Auntie Bree, also local residents of Westbury get to share their point of view – and Uncle Couzen briefly tells us about his past experience with alcohol. We will discover that it is evident that our community has a problem. Music: Ebsa - Not without a fight

Previously known as Western Native Township, Westbury is now one of Johannesburg's best-known colored communities. Although it is known for it's crime, corruption, drugs, alcohol and other problems, the people of the Westbury community believe that it's more than just a bad place. Westbury is also known as "The Place of Dreams". In June 2014 five students from Finland came to Westbury and teamed up with youth members from the Westbury Youth Centre. The intention was to create a documentary about Westbury. In episode 4 of Master of Disguise I'm joined by one of the two students from Westbury, Emil Williams, who played a key role in making the documentary and who travelled in the beginning of March 2015 to Finland together with Maggie Makitla to present the documentary and to explore a different side of human kind. Emil shares with me his experiences about Finland and about the influences that the documentary on Westbury has had on the people of Finland. Music: Track Jackit - Smooth sailing Photo: Anna-Leena Myllylä

Apartheid ended in 1994, but South Africa still struggles with racism and racist attitudes. After 20 years of living in a democratic society colored people still feel like not much has changed for them. To explore these feelings and true stories I am joined today by WYC students Caren Arendse and Martin Bouwers. Welcome to our discussion on the issue of whether or not colored people are being sub-sided when it comes to employment. Music in order of appearance: Lesvicon Soul ft. Kourisha - One in the dub Groff ft. Black Tablet & Tona - Ngoma (beat produced by Squash from Spinna Boys) Photo:

Growing up in the apartheid era was a long and gruesome battle for Selwyn Fransman. He joins Uncle Couzen telling us his brave story and taking us back to his early childhood. He also tells us how he is giving back to his community by opening a social auxiliary workshop at the Westbury Youth Centre. Listen to his vision on a brighter future: what would Mr. ”Worsie” love to see take place not just in our local community but in the whole world. Photo: Prince Maheso Music: Ebsa - Not without a fight


Welcome to the Classroom! This is my first ever podcast, the first episode of my new weekly show called Classroom. The show is about all the things they never taught me in school. In this first episode you are going to hear all about what to do if you don't have a matric certificate but you still want to build your career for a better future. What can you do to get it in your hands? Welcome to Harvey Seckel, the life coach of the Westbury Youth Centre and the man behind the Westbury Secondary School matric hostel program. He will tell you where you need to start. Music: Fire Retarded - What You Say Milk Dick - Creepy Dreams Pranavibes - Far Far West Photo: Matias Harju A photo with Mr. Seckel coming up soon.

We all have the right to to choose our own lifestyle don't we? Uncle Couzen has the priviledge to introduce you to the fabulous, funky, outspoken Domma who shares with us a memorable story. Domma is a proud, young, gay guy living in Westbury. After coming out of the closet he has expierienced both physical and emotional abuse by members of his family, friends and community members. He has also feared for his life as a gay man. However this has made him a better person and a strong happy young man. We also hear Auntie Brie, a senior counselor in the community who shares on how one can deal with such prejudice. Auntie Brie also offers advice to parents on how to be a pillar of strength for their kids. Music Pietari Pyykönen aka Spark - Unspoken Pietari Pyykönen aka Spark - Hold on Photo Chellon Garth Palmer

In South Africa March is the month of Human rights and we celebrate our Freedom. Many people know the usual rights of free education and freedom of speach but many also tend to overlook the rights of gays and lesbians and their right to get married. South Africa was the fifth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriages and the first country in Africa to do so. Still many of us South Africans don't accept these kinds of agreements and even despise gays and lesbians. Today in Master of Disguise I discuss with Siraaj Ajat and Denevan Quinn from the Westbury Youth Center M.I.B group about their views on gays & lesbians as well as why they think people become gay or lesbian. Music in order of appearance: Spark a.k.a Pietari Pyykönen - Shadows Spark a.k.a Pietari Pyykönen - Oh these days soundcloud.com/sparkofficial Picture by: Natasha Hein

Are people who smoke weed bad examples to our community and society? From the point of view of people who do not smoke marijuana, the people who do are often judged by the fact that they smoke. As I think it's a prejudice statement I decided to explore the different views of people who smoke and those who don't. I was joined in the WYC Studio by two very outspoken young people from the Westbury Youth Center M.I.B group, Denevan Quinn and Caryn Arendse, who had much to say about the fact that people are being judged for what they do. In the show we will also hear a gallup from the streets of Pennyville in which the smokers themselves get to tell what exactly causes or rather leads them to smoke marijuana. This is in fact the first episode of the "Master Of Disguise". So follow me for more interesting topics on the kind of discussions that lead people to become prejudice towards others on soundcloud.com/wycradio. For you who are at the Westbury Youth Center join me every Friday around 12h30-13h30 or stream live wherever you are at http://myradiostream.com/wycradio. Music in order of appearance: OneSP - Red weed ft. dj Swizz cheez The Plastic Explosives - Drive with Eyes Shut

Welcome back to Uncle Couzen's Lounge. In this third episode we are joined by a phenominal person, who is described by his studends as a Man amongst Men: Dr. Robinson. He is one of the core founders of the Westbury Youth Centre and the principal of Westbury Secondary School. Photo by Annonymous

Welcome back to Uncle Couzen's Lounge. Welcome to Reggie Botha, the manager and one of the core founders of the Westbury Youth Centre. He sat down with me on a sunny Friday to explain, where and how the dream of opening the Centre started. Listen to him sharing a very good reflection on how the dream has developed, who have been involved and how the atmosphere is today. He even teases us with some childhood soccer memories from the streets of Westbury where he went from being ordinary to extraordinary, still remaining humble and super cool. It was quite evident, following his facial expressions along the disussion, that it was not an easy road to achieve the dream of WYC. But he is achieving it, working for it and enjoying it every single day. I sincerely kept on reminding him of how much the WYC has changed many young peoples' lives. One of them is a former student Bilaal aka Cosmic Sky, who produces his own music, whose music is played in this podcast, and who has made his mark in the world. But this a reflection on Reggie's part. There is more... On Friday 27 February 2015 @ 13:00 yet another phenomenal man who had a big part in starting the Westbury Youth Centre. So join Uncle Couzen's Lounge next Friday. The guest is a surprice... Photo of the live audience of this show in the inner yard of WYC: Chellon Garth Palmer

A giant leap for a man. A giant leap for humankind. Love? Yes. WYC Radio’s first ever podcast from WYC’s very own studio? YES! The studio is still in construction but all its systems are go! We’ve been making it better and better day by day. We’ve been practicing in it in every wave and form. So, for the joy of podcasting, for the sake of love, for the passion to do it, Martin Bouwers aka Uncle Cousen brings it on. This is where it all starts. This is WYC Radio’s first ever podcast. This is Uncle Cousen cherishing Valentine and exploring with his colleagues and friends on how to take the most of it. In addition to being recorded this show was played live on the inner yard of Westbury Youth Centre. You’ll notice it. That’s a sound promise. As WYC Radio podcasting is now officially launched, more shows are coming up next week. This Valentine’s one is published, temporarily, here in WYC Radio SoundCloud as we’re still exploring for the best podcasting platform for the whole project. We’re not far from live streaming either. Music credits in order of appearance: PC-ONE – Love The Agrarians – How My Love Gets Complicated Photo: Matias Harju You’ll find more photos of WYC’s very own, very DIY, small scale, professionally equipped, passionately occupied Sound Studio on Westbury Youth Centre’s Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WestburyYouthCentre.