For 14 years, Palesa Tau’s voice has been a trusted, familiar companion for listeners across South Africa. Yet, in an industry that constantly chases the next big thing, her secret to enduring relevance isn’t just her undeniable talent – it is her willingness to treat her life and career as an ever-evolving masterpiece.
For much of her time on air, Tau held it down as a solo presenter and producer. However, joining forces with former co-host Benjamin Moshatama on Channel Africa sparked a profound creative awakening. “It was a new and beautiful learning curve for me,” Tau recalls. Blending two distinct personalities and viewpoints didn’t just challenge her usual rhythm; it deepened her artistry as a broadcaster. That beautiful synergy ultimately paid off, with the duo going on to win Best Internet Radio Show in 2023 and 2024 (Telkom Radio Awards) and second prize in 2024 SADC Media Awards.
Embracing the Change
In the fast-paced world of media, standing still means being left behind. Tau’s philosophy is deeply refreshing – “I never mourn change” she says. Instead, she views every shift as an invitation to reach new people, stretch her creative wings, and discover different facets of her talent.
Her transition from a midweek slot to the weekend show Out & About is the perfect reflection of this mindset. Moving beyond the confines of the studio, Tau is now out in the world – from time to time – broadcasting live from launches, luncheons, and concerts.
“Lifestyle means exploring the aspects that make us human, the conversations that make us tick, and questioning the dynamics of how we relate to ourselves and others,” she shares. By experiencing the vibrant pulse of the continent firsthand, she is no longer just talking to her listeners; she is living the moment right alongside them.
The Long Overdue Pivot
While shaking up her radio formats has been thrilling, Tau’s most courageous leap has been off the airwaves and into entrepreneurship. Through her creative agency, Sound On Africa, she is stepping into her power as a pan-African connector.
The agency does what Tau has always done best: it amplifies voices. By connecting brands with top-tier talent across the continent – offering everything from voice-overs and podcast production to retail radio and influencer marketing—she is championing African creatives. But breaking into the broader continental market hasn’t been without its hurdles. “As a woman, you have to navigate the societal nuances of women on the continent and be able to assure your clients and stakeholders that you will provide the necessary quality of work,” she explains. She navigates these waters with quiet confidence, leaning on the deep trust and relationships she has nurtured over years of producing content across Africa.
The Price of Reinvention
Reinvention is glamorous from the outside, but behind the scenes, it demands a deep emotional toll. “My price of reinvention has been financial, of course, but more than anything, it has been learning to shapeshift like a chameleon and take on the new colours of my environment.” Tau shares with striking vulnerability.
Navigating the highs and lows of building a business while remaining a public figure requires immense resilience. Tau is the first to admit she doesn’t do it alone. She credits a fiercely supportive community of loved ones and the guidance of mental health professionals as her lifelines, helping her make sense of her shifting world and keeping her grounded through every new era.
Finding Grounding in the Ordinary
Amidst the glitz of the media world and the high stakes of cross-continental business, Tau’s ultimate sanctuary is surprisingly simple: an edible garden. Getting her hands in the soil has offered a quiet, profound contrast to her fast-paced life.
“I think we have been made to believe that success only looks like money in your account,” she reflects. Watching life sprout from the ground has fundamentally shifted her perspective. “Gardening has taught me to look inward, celebrate daily micro-movements and the successes of my hands and environment. It’s also contributed significantly to my mental and emotional wellbeing.”
Today, Tau looks back on her multifaceted journey not as a straight line, but as a rich tapestry of experiences. “All versions of me would be proud of my journey, particularly because I use the things I learn in my different versions to aid in my becoming,” she says with a smile.
Whether she is stepping behind the microphone or paving the way for African creatives, Palesa Tau proves that turning the page isn’t something to fear – it is simply the thrill of discovering who you are meant to be next.
You can listen to my show Out And About on Channel Africa, Saturdays and Sundays from 9am -12pm CAT.