The legendary Zimbabwean broadcaster and DJ, Tich Mataz, is making a return to Gaborone for the highly anticipated Take Us Back – 90s Edition throwback party.
Set for Friday, August 1st at Cresta Lodge, and organized by ‘Legends of Ol’ Skool’, the event promises to teleport revelers to a golden era of Afrocentric cool, urban groove, and cultural fusion, anchored by a man whose voice and flair defined Southern African radio in the 1990s.
Mataz, born Tichaona Matambanadzo in Zimbabwe and made famous across borders, began his broadcasting journey in 1988 on Zimbabwe’s Power FM (then Radio 3). Reflecting on his early days, Mataz credits his formative years at ZBC for honing his unique broadcasting style, deeply influenced by the “colonial finesse” of British media culture, blended with the vibrant post-independence optimism of Zimbabwe.
“I acknowledge the excellence, the quality, the style, and the packaging that I first attained from being part of the team that moved radio forward,” he tells Sunday Standard. His early exposure to both American and British broadcasting models laid the foundation for a style that would revolutionize the Southern African airwaves.
The 1990s were a defining era, and Radio Bop was Mataz’s launchpad into regional stardom. “Radio Bop had its own kind of energy, it was the most sought-after urban R&B and dance station in Southern Africa,” he says. Influenced by hip-hop and R&B royalty like LL Cool J, Bobby Brown, and New Edition, and driven by fashion-forward flair, Mataz became the embodiment of African urban sophistication. His access to US and UK pop culture gave him an edge—and his role as a tastemaker in Southern Africa became cemented.
“We were teaching our brethren how to be self-aware, how to have style, how to be trendy. We were the bridge between global culture and African identity,” he recalls. From baggy jeans and Jordans to African prints and snapbacks, Tich was more than a DJ, he was a cultural architect.
Many in Botswana will also remember his ties with Yarona FM. “Hey, Yarona FM was pumping when I was there! I’ve got so many good friends in Gaborone. Coming back really feels like coming home,” he says, noting his excitement to reunite with Dumi Lopang, and his countryman, Otis Frazer on stage.
Mataz returns to the decks with the same ‘razzmatazz’ that lit up Radio Bop and 5FM, ready to unleash a sonic storm of Kwaito, House, R&B, Hip Hop, Disco, and Afro Pop. He promises everything from TKZee and Trompies to Brandy, Destiny’s Child, Tupac, Biggie, and the soulful grooves of Frankie Knuckles and Nightcrawlers.
Expect a cross-generational dancefloor: “‘90s babies, Ama-2Ks, the Don Gorgons—we’re all coming together,” he says, promising a blend of timeless classics and nostalgic mashups. And yes, everyone is expected to come dressed to impress in their best 90s fashion. “Remember FUBU? Maybe I’ll rock that. Or something glitzy—you never know!”
Mataz also takes time to honour the late Bob Mabena, a fellow radio icon whose shoes he filled at Radio Bop. “Bob was one out of a million. A legend. It was a healthy competition between us. I still don’t think there’s ever been a DJ as talented.” As the clock winds down to August 1st, Mataz sends a heartfelt message to fans across Botswana. “Botswana is my second home. Some of you have grown up, gotten married, had kids, but we’re still vibing. Let’s take it back together. I can’t wait to drop some serious jams. It’s going to be a party to remember.”
Mataz is brought to town by Nigey Nige of ‘Legends of the Ol Skool’.“We’ve been in talks with Tich Mataz since 2013 and finally, our dream has come true,” Nige says. “Over the past two years, we took a break from events to focus on charity initiatives. In the last five years, we’ve organized four charity events because giving back to society is at the heart of what we do. Social responsibility is more than just a principle to us—it’s a way of life.” The event will also feature DJs Otis Fraser, Frost Bite, Choto, PJ The DJ, Kyle, Bigga & Khenzo, and Mr P as MC.
Tickets for the Friday event are available for P250 at webtickets and Cresta Lodge.
