The golden age of Southern African radio and club culture is making a comeback this August, as legendary Zimbabwean broadcaster and DJ, Tich Mataz, returns to the decks for ‘Take Us Back – 90s Edition. The event is a nostalgic musical throwback event scheduled for Friday, August 1, 2025, at Cresta Lodge, Gaborone.

Curated by local promoter Nigel Motlogelwa, the show promises a deep dive into the soundscape that defined a generation. “This event is a love letter to the golden era of radio and club culture in Southern Africa—Botswana, particularly the 90s,” Motlogelwa says.

“Tich Mataz is a legend who soundtracked so many lives through his radio shows and mixes,” the organizer says. “His return to the decks is a dream come true for fans who grew up on his sound.”

Tich Mataz—born Tichaona Matambanadzo—is widely recognized for pioneering a new radio style in the region during the 90s and early 2000s. Speaking about his journey, the veteran media personality recalled his humble beginnings in Zimbabwe.

“I was studying biology, chemistry, and physics at university, but I was always interested in music and entertainment, because there was a guy called Josh Makawa who lived in the same neighborhood as me, a place called Highfields in Harare, and he kind of discovered me,” says Tich.

His early work at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) and later on Radio Bop in Bophuthatswana opened doors to South African airwaves. He had joined Radio Bop to replace the legendary Bop Mabena, who had left the station for Metro FM. “When I did Radio Bop, I think it was a new kind of voice and style—it opened up a lot of opportunities for me. I did exceptionally well in South Africa because I brought something different and new.”

Tich later joined SABC’s Radio 5 as the station’s first black radio personality, further cementing his legacy with shows like Woza Weekend on SABC. Botswana, however, has always held a special place in his heart.

“I also worked in Botswana for Yarona FM, did some training there—I remember with Luzboy. We even opened an ad agency. I’m happy to come back to Botswana. It’s gonna be a fantastic reunion meeting some of the old boys there in Gaborone.”

Joining Mataz on the lineup are a roster of Botswana’s finest old-school DJs, including Otis Fraser, PJ The DJ, Kyle, Choto, Frostbite, Bigga, and Khenzo, each chosen for their deep understanding of the 90s club and radio vibe.

Motlogelwa describes the event as both nostalgic and electric.

“Expect a time machine! Classic house, kwaito, Afro-pop, and disco—the anthems that had everyone glued to their radios or packing dancefloors back in the day. We’re even adding live vibe masters—hype men, maybe surprise vocalists—to keep the energy raw and interactive.”

The event targets both the generation that came of age in the 90s and early 2000s, as well as younger crowds curious about what made the music of that era so unforgettable.

“It’s a cross-generational celebration,” says Motlogelwa. “We want to revive the culture of live, shared musical experiences. If the response is strong, and we know it will be, we’re already sketching plans for a quarterly series. Imagine: ‘Retro Rewind’ becoming a movement that tours Southern Africa.”

For now, fans can look forward to a night drenched in retro vibes, timeless anthems, and a celebration of music legends who made the region dance before streaming took over.

And the dress code? “Tell readers to dig out their vintage dress code: ‘90s fabulous!’” says Motlogelwa, adding, “Advanced tickets are already on sale for P250. Don’t miss this incredible reunion.”