Based: Johannesburg
The notion that someone was in fact “born for radio” rings true when you hear Poppy Ntshongwana’s distinguished husky voice on radio. Born in the Eastern Cape, Poppy’s love for and undeniable talent in the Performing Arts were evident even as a school girl at Diocesan School for Girls in Grahamstown.
As a Politcal Science and International Relations student at the University of Pretoria, Poppy was a natural choice as a News Presenter for TuksFM. It was only a matter of time before she was head-hunted by national radio station, 5FM in 2005. This is truly Poppy’s domain. Hosting her own radio show since 2007, she’s a News Presenter and Contributor on the Fresh Drive and hosts Pop Power Nights, as well as a thrilling lifestyle show on Sundays between 10h00 and 14h00.
A lover of music and entertainment, Poppy’s extensive list of credentials includes DJng at SA’s biggest commercial clubs as well as major events on the SA social calendar. These include, Cosmopolitan’s Sexiest Man Event, Sun City’s Spring Break, 5FM’s Summer Tour, VEET Beach Parties, NYE with Savanna and 5FM, and more recently, the J&B Met.
As a poised and highly sought-after public speaker, Poppy has hosted numerous functions and events, including:
The David Guetta and Akon Experience in 2011
Groove Armada SA tour, 2011
Cosmopolitan Sexiest Man, 2010 and 2012
Cosmopolitan Sexiest Barman, 2011
GQ’s Best Dressed Men Awards, 2010
Vodacom Durban July Preview Fashion Show, 2011
Rock The Boat 2009 – 2011
Stones Sisters of Spin DJ Competition Tour in 2011
Rocking the Daisies Music Festival- 2011
KFC Taste the Fame 2009-2010
Poppy’s done a bit of TV presenting, which started on the first ever Radio and TV collaboration with MTV Base and 5FM. She also acted as a Guest Presenter on Mzanzi Magic Travel Show, Msawawa True South.
But the “Power of Poppy” extends far beyond the airwaves: described as a “DJ Superstar” Poppy has been featured in various lifestyle magazines and has graced the covers of the illustrious Top Billing, Balanced Life and Shape magazines. Renowned for her obsession with fashion, and noted for her contribution as a fashion and style guru in Heat Magazine. Poppy won the coveted SA Style Award for Most Innovative Style in 2010 with a nomination for the G-Sport Award for Best Style in 2011. Her fingerprint as a true style icon is further entrenched as having been the face of Plum Shoes in 2010, and having modelled for the Levis and Cosmopolitan Denim Issue; Heat Magazine Beauty Edition and as one of faces of the Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Butter range.
Having recently launched her own website to compliment her dynamic brand, it’s no surprise that as a young and ambitious woman, Poppy is relentlessly pursuing her goals and growing as a broadcaster and entertainer.