The genius behind The Juice 2.0
Takudzwa Chimwaza, popularly known as Tkay Lenin, is quietly and sometimes loudly, reshaping the country’s podcasting and digital storytelling space.
Born in Mutare, Zimbabwe, but now firmly based in Gaborone, the 34-year-old media personality has built The Juice 2.0 Podcast from a spontaneous radio idea into one of the region’s fastest-growing digital platforms.
Tkay’s journey began in 2018 when he joined Gabz FM, steadily working his way up over the years until he was hosting a weekend breakfast show titled The Juice 2.0.
A pivotal moment came during an interview with rapper Taboka Chengeta (Tabz), whose music video with Veezo View had just dropped.
Inspired by the energy of that conversation, he came up with an idea that changed his career: recording his radio show on video.
“I just wanted to see how it goes,” he recalls.
It went exceptionally well!
The experiment soon evolved into something much bigger, with Tkay taking the concept off radio entirely; and thus, The Juice 2.0 Podcast was born.
“The podcast is built on one simple philosophy: every story worth telling deserves a platform,” he shares.
From entertainment and pop culture to corporate conversations and public leadership, for Tkay ‘interest’ is the sole requirement.
“My podcast is about fascinating stories. If it’s meaningful and engaging, it belongs here.”
This broad approach has helped the show appeal to a wide and diverse audience across age groups and industries.
Since officially launching in March 2022, the growth of The Juice 2.0 Podcast has been ‘phenomenal’ in Tkay’s words.
The numbers back him up.
“Starting with zero subscribers and competing against already established platforms, my podcast now boasts 37, 000 subscribers on YouTube, 125, 000 followers on TikTok, and 185, 000 followers on Facebook, making it one of the fastest-growing digital communities in the region,” notes the bearded hunk, who is planning a ‘huge celebration’ in March to mark the podcasts four-year anniversary.
Beyond the numbers, for the former radio presenter, the real reward has been audience connection.
“On average, clips from each podcast episode attract over 100, 000 views within five days on Facebook and TikTok. Offline, the response has been just as powerful. People stop me in the streets to take pictures or talk about the content. Some even suggest how we can make it better. The love has been insane, and the support from Batswana from the very beginning has been humbling.”
Such support has helped The Juice 2.0 attract an impressive lineup of big-name guests.
“Over the years, I have hosted cabinet ministers and senior government officials, while also welcoming some of South Africa’s biggest entertainment names, including Bontle Modiselle, Emtee, Blxckie, Robot Boii, Pretty Ugly, DJ Speedsta, and Primo19teen, among others. This impact has earned me industry recognition, including a nomination as Best Styled Podcast Host, as well as representing the region on Steve Harvey’s Family Feud as Botswana’s best podcast host.”
Despite the success, Tkay admits it’s not all been plain sailing.
“Sponsorship remains the biggest hurdle. Brands see the influence podcasts have in shaping conversations, but they’re very slow to invest,” he explains, pointing to lingering negative perceptions around podcasting as the possible reason behind this.
“Not all podcasts are bad, but unfortunately the medium still carries that stigma in some spaces.”
Switching lanes to a happier topic, Tkay mentions a trip to Johannesburg earlier this month, where he journeyed to Jozi alongside seven fellow creatives.
“The trip was sponsored by BETWAY, whose hospitality left a lasting impression. They took care of everything, our travel, accommodation, food and they did it with sincerity. That was a major highlight of the journey.”
Equally memorable was the bond formed among the travelling party.
“We embraced each other as comrades in the industry. We ate together, drank together, partied together and strengthened an already amazing bond.”
Of course, no Joburg story is complete without nightlife.
Tkay laughs as he recalls one particular night out.
“The club was fire. I asked a fine hun to hang with me, but she said I had to buy Moët and Veuve first. When I told her I wasn’t balling like that, she joined another table, but kept coming back to me all night. Joburg, huh!”
When it comes to brand collaborations, Tkay is deliberate. He looks for partnerships that have real community impact while remaining fun and authentic, mirroring the spirit of his podcast.
“CSR initiatives matter to me, as does working with brands that are relatable and easy to engage with.”
Away from the mic, Tkay is a man of many layers.
“I am a law graduate with an LLB from the University of Botswana, a former praise and worship leader, a father of two daughters, and a talented singer, oh and I am single,” he chuckles, a twinkle lighting up his dark eyes.
