Top 10 Radio Stations in Johannesburg (2025)

Posted on Author Dlamini Blessing

Johannesburg, South Africa’s vibrant City of Gold, pulses with diverse cultures, languages, and music, making its radio scene a dynamic reflection of its people. From urban beats to talk shows and gospel, Jozi’s radio stations cater to millions, blending entertainment with community engagement. With a population exceeding 5 million, the city hosts a mix of commercial, public, and community stations, broadcasting in English, isiZulu, Sesotho, and more. These stations, accessible via FM, AM, or online streams, offer everything from news and sports to local kwaito and jazz. This evergreen guide, crafted with local insights and credible sources, lists the top 10 radio stations in Johannesburg, detailing their frequencies, formats, and unique appeal. Whether you’re a resident or visitor, tune in to experience Jozi’s heartbeat through its airwaves.

Top 10 Radio Stations in Johannesburg

1. Metro FM

  • Frequency: 96.4 FM (Johannesburg)

  • Format: Urban Contemporary, Hip Hop, R&B, Kwaito

  • Description: Owned by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), Metro FM is a youth-focused station with over 4.3 million weekly listeners nationwide. Broadcasting in English, it delivers chart-topping hits, celebrity interviews, and vibrant talk shows like The Drive with Mo Flava. Its urban vibe resonates with Jozi’s young professionals.

  • Why Listen: High-energy music and engaging hosts make it a go-to for urban culture enthusiasts.

  • Stream: www.metrofm.co.za, Onlineradiobox.com

  • Contact: +27 11 714 2702

2. Jacaranda FM

  • Frequency: 94.2 FM

  • Format: Adult Contemporary, Pop, Rock

  • Description: A commercial station owned by Primedia, Jacaranda FM blends English and Afrikaans programming, attracting over 1 million listeners weekly. Known for Breakfast with Martin Bester and love songs in the evenings, it’s a staple for Jozi’s diverse audience. Its playlist spans global hits and South African classics.

  • Why Listen: Broad appeal with feel-good music and community initiatives like #GoodMorningAngels.

  • Stream: www.jacarandafm.com, TuneIn.com

  • Contact: +27 11 506 5500

3. Kaya 959

  • Frequency: 95.9 FM

  • Format: Adult Contemporary, News, Talk, Afro-Pop

  • Description: Kaya 959 targets Johannesburg’s affluent, mature audience with a mix of soulful music, insightful talk, and news. Shows like Breakfast with David O’Sullivan and The Law Report offer informed discussions. Broadcasting in English, it’s a cultural hub for urban professionals.

  • Why Listen: Sophisticated content and soulful tunes, perfect for thoughtful listeners.

  • Stream: www.kaya959.co.za, Streema.com

  • Contact: +27 11 634 9500

4. 947

  • Frequency: 94.7 FM

  • Format: Adult Contemporary, Pop, R&B, Rock

  • Description: Another Primedia gem, 947 is Johannesburg’s pop culture powerhouse, with nearly 900,000 weekly listeners. Shows like Anele and The Club and The Night Show deliver music, humor, and local stories. Its English broadcasts resonate with Jozi’s trendy crowd.

  • Why Listen: Fun, energetic, and connected to Johannesburg’s pulse.

  • Stream: www.947.co.za, Radio.net

  • Contact: +27 11 506 3947

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5. YFM

  • Frequency: 99.2 FM

  • Format: Urban, Hip Hop, Kwaito, House

  • Description: YFM is Johannesburg’s youth station, targeting trendsetters with urban music and minimal talk. With 638,000 weekly listeners, it’s a platform for local artists and DJs. Shows like The Banques and Venom Show keep the energy high, broadcasting from Sandton.

  • Why Listen: The voice of Jozi’s youth, showcasing cutting-edge music and culture.

  • Stream: www.yfm.co.za, Onlineradiobox.com

  • Contact: +27 11 883 9962

6. HOT 102.7 FM

  • Frequency: 102.7 FM

  • Format: Old Skool, R&B, Classic Hits

  • Description: HOT 102.7 FM, formerly Hot 91.9, specializes in nostalgic hits from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. Its English broadcasts and shows like The Mark Pilgrim Show appeal to adults seeking retro vibes. It’s a commercial station with a growing Jozi fanbase.

  • Why Listen: Perfect for reliving classic tunes with a modern twist.

  • Stream: www.hot1027.co.za, Streema.com

  • Contact: +27 11 475 1027

7. Jozi FM

  • Frequency: 105.8 FM

  • Format: Community, Multicultural, Talk, Music

  • Description: Broadcasting from Soweto, Jozi FM targets listeners aged 16–49 with a 50/50 mix of talk and music, including kwaito, gospel, and Afro-pop. Its multicultural programming in English, isiZulu, and Sesotho reflects Soweto’s diversity, making it a community cornerstone.

  • Why Listen: Authentic, community-driven content with a local flavor.

  • Stream: www.jozifm.co.za, Radio-africa.com

  • Contact: +27 11 982 1111

8. Radio 702

  • Frequency: 92.7 FM

  • Description: A Primedia talk station, Radio 702 focuses on news, current affairs, and lifestyle, broadcasting in English. Shows like The Money Show with Bruce Whitfield and Early Breakfast with Africa Melane attract informed listeners. It shares content with Cape Talk.

  • Why Listen: In-depth discussions and balanced journalism for engaged audiences.

  • Stream: www.702.co.za, TuneIn.com

  • Contact: +27 11 506 3702

9. Ukhozi FM

  • Frequency: 91.5 FM

  • Format: Adult Contemporary, Zulu Music, Talk

  • Description: SABC’s Ukhozi FM is South Africa’s largest station, with 7.6 million weekly listeners, many in Johannesburg. Targeting the Zulu-speaking community, it offers music, talk, and cultural programming. Shows like Sigiya Ngengoma celebrate local talent.

  • Why Listen: A cultural powerhouse for Zulu speakers and music lovers.

  • Stream: www.ukhozifm.co.za, Radio.net

  • Contact: +27 31 362 9999

10. Lesedi FM

  • Frequency: 88.4 FM

  • Format: Adult Contemporary, Sesotho Music, Talk

  • Description: An SABC station for Sesotho speakers, Lesedi FM has 3.2 million weekly listeners. Broadcasting from Johannesburg’s Sentech Tower, it mixes music, news, and talk shows like Rea Bua. Its cultural focus resonates with Gauteng’s Sesotho community.

  • Why Listen: Rich Sesotho content with broad appeal in Jozi.

  • Stream: www.lesedifm.co.za, Onlineradiobox.com

  • Contact: +27 51 404 3333

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Why Radio Stations Matter in Johannesburg

Johannesburg’s radio stations are more than entertainment; they’re cultural lifelines. With 37.6 million radio listeners nationwide, radio remains South Africa’s most consumed media, per the SA Advertising Research Foundation. Jozi’s stations reflect its multilingual, multicultural fabric, broadcasting in 11 official languages. Commercial stations like Jacaranda FM and 947 drive pop culture, while SABC’s Ukhozi and Lesedi FM preserve linguistic heritage. Community stations like Jozi FM empower local voices, addressing issues from Soweto to Sandton. The city’s high-altitude Sentech Tower (1,804m) ensures strong FM signals, making radio accessible even in remote areas.

How to Listen to Johannesburg Radio Stations

  • FM/AM Radio: Use a traditional radio to tune into frequencies like 94.7 FM (947) or 88.4 FM (Lesedi FM). Check www.worldradiomap.com for exact frequencies.

  • Online Streaming: Platforms like www.radio.net, www.tunein.com, and www.onlineradiobox.com offer free streaming of stations like Metro FM and Kaya 959.

  • Mobile Apps: Download apps like myTuner Radio or Radio South Africa for iOS/Android to access Jozi FM and others.

  • Smart Speakers: Use Alexa or Google Home to stream stations by saying, “Play Jacaranda FM.”

  • Car Radios: Most stations are pre-tuned in Gauteng vehicles, ideal for Jozi’s commuters.

Choosing the Right Station for You

  • For Youth and Urban Vibes: Metro FM, YFM, or 947 deliver hip hop, kwaito, and pop for trendsetters.

  • For Mature Listeners: Kaya 959 and Radio 702 offer insightful talk and soulful music.

  • For Cultural Connection: Ukhozi FM (Zulu) and Lesedi FM (Sesotho) celebrate local languages and traditions.

  • For Nostalgia: HOT 102.7 FM plays classic hits from the 80s and 90s.

  • For Community Focus: Jozi FM provides Soweto-centric content with a multicultural lens.

Check station websites or social media (e.g., @MetroFMSA, @KayaFM959) for schedules and DJ lineups to align with your preferences.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Johannesburg Radio

  1. Explore Online Streams: If FM signals are weak, use www.radio-africa.com or www.radiosa.org for uninterrupted listening.

  2. Follow Social Media: Stations like 947 and YFM post live updates on X, sharing giveaways and events.

  3. Engage with Shows: Call in to shows like The Drive (Metro FM) or Breakfast with Martin Bester (Jacaranda FM) for interactive fun.

  4. Discover Local Events: Stations often sponsor concerts (e.g., Jacaranda’s #SpringWalk) or community drives, announced on-air.

  5. Use Headphones for Clarity: In noisy Jozi traffic, earbuds enhance streaming quality via apps.

  6. Check Frequencies: Verify local frequencies on www.southafricaradio.net, as some vary by suburb (e.g., Ukhozi FM at 91.5 MHz).

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Challenges and Community Feedback

While Johannesburg’s radio scene thrives, some challenges persist:

  • Advertising Overload: Listeners on Reddit criticize stations like Jacaranda FM for excessive ads, dubbing it “Kakaranda.” Solution: Try ad-light community stations like Jozi FM.

  • Language Barriers: Multilingual shows (e.g., RSG’s Afrikaans-English mix) can frustrate monolingual listeners. Solution: Stick to English-focused stations like Kaya 959 or 702.

  • Signal Issues: FM signals may weaken in high-rise areas like Sandton. Solution: Stream via www.tunein.com.

  • Content Shifts: Some fans note 702’s shift toward liberal-leaning content, reducing its appeal. Solution: Explore balanced alternatives like Radio 2000 (99.7 FM).

FAQs About Radio Stations in Johannesburg

What are the most popular radio stations in Johannesburg?

Metro FM (96.4 FM), Jacaranda FM (94.2 FM), and Ukhozi FM (91.5 FM) lead with millions of listeners, offering urban, pop, and Zulu content, respectively.

How can I listen to Johannesburg radio stations online?

Use platforms like www.radio.net, www.onlineradiobox.com, or www.tunein.com to stream Metro FM, Kaya 959, and others for free.

Are there youth-focused radio stations in Johannesburg?

Yes, YFM (99.2 FM) and Metro FM (96.4 FM) target younger audiences with hip hop, kwaito, and urban music.

Which stations broadcast in local languages?

Ukhozi FM (Zulu, 91.5 FM), Lesedi FM (Sesotho, 88.4 FM), and Jozi FM (multilingual) cater to Johannesburg’s linguistic diversity.

What’s the best time to tune in?

Morning shows (6–9 AM) like Breakfast with David (Kaya 959) and drive-time slots (4–7 PM) like The Drive (Metro FM) are peak for music and talk.

Conclusion

Johannesburg’s top 10 radio stations, from the urban beats of Metro FM to the cultural depth of Ukhozi FM, capture the city’s vibrant spirit. These stations, broadcasting from iconic hubs like Sentech Tower, offer music, talk, and community connection for Jozi’s diverse listeners. Whether you’re commuting through Sandton or relaxing in Soweto, tune in via FM or stream on platforms like www.radio.net to stay connected. With rich programming and local flavor, these stations are your soundtrack to Johannesburg’s pulse in 2025. Explore their websites or apps like myTuner Radio to dive into Jozi’s airwaves today.