Money was for a gig, not a bribe, says DJ Finzo

Lesedi FM presenter axed for allegedly taking payola

- By Bongani Mdakane

Well-known Lesedi FM presenter and music compiler, DJ Finzo, has been axed by Lesedi FM over allegations of taking payola from Free State artists.

DJ Finzo, whose real name is Phinel Sefatsa, was sent packing by Lesedi FM programmes manager Mannini Nyokong last week after he admitted to have taken money from the Bothaville group called Gesh Lido.

DJ Finzo told Sunday World this week that it was all a lie that he had taken money from the band so that he could put their music on the Lesedi FM playlist.

"I was never fired for taking payola, as that money those guys gave me was for me to play at their gig. This happened in 2023, and it is surprising why something that happened two years ago, is surfacing now," he said.

"I told Mannini that the R5000 those guys gave me was for a gig. Even Mannini had a meeting with me and those guys where they complained that they gave me money and that their music was not being played.

"She told them that I did not force them to give me the money," said DJ Finzo.