DJ Cleo has announced his departure from Radio 2000, bringing his two-year run at the SABC station to an end.
The veteran DJ, producer and businessman made the announcement his final broadcast of The Eskhaleni Party as “the last dance on air”.
His departure marks the end of a chapter that saw him bring his distinctive music-driven approach to national radio and build The Eskhaleni Party into one of Radio 2000’s recognisable weekend programmes.
‘The last dance on air’
Cleo’s farewell was emotional but appreciative, with the DJ using his statement to reflect on the journey and the people who supported him during his time at the station.
In his statement, he thanked the Radio 2000 team and listeners for embracing him and his show, while looking ahead to what comes next.
“Today marks my last dance on air,” Cleo said in announcing the end of his Radio 2000 journey.
He also reflected on the relationships and memories created during his time behind the microphone, describing the experience as an important chapter in his career.
Cleo’s post was accompanied by the words “The last dance on air #EskhaleniParty”, signalling that his final broadcast would also bring an end to the current chapter of the popular show.
He joined Radio 2000 in 2024
Cleo joined Radio 2000 in April 2024, when the SABC introduced him as one of the major additions to its new programming lineup.
The broadcaster announced that Tlou Cleopas Monyepao, better known as DJ Cleo, would host The Eskhaleni Party on Friday nights from 10pm to midnight. The SABC described him as an award-winning producer, artist, businessman, DJ and hitmaker with extensive musical knowledge.
His appointment formed part of a major lineup change that also saw DJ Sbu return to mainstream radio.
At the time, Cleo was excited about the new chapter, announcing: “Brand new radio show. Brand new music. Brand new music video.”
The show grew beyond Friday nights
The Eskhaleni Party eventually expanded beyond its original Friday night slot.
Radio 2000 later added a Saturday edition, with Cleo broadcasting from 9pm to midnight and taking the programme outside the studio to different establishments around the country.
Cleo said the Saturday show allowed guest DJs more time to perform.
“The Saturday show is longer and guest DJs can have longer sets,” he said at the time.
The concept also fitted into Radio 2000’s strategy of creating more direct engagement between the station, its presenters, artists and audiences.
Station business manager Anthony Soglo said the broadcaster was looking to create “more touchpoints with our audiences” through on-the-ground activations and events.
A platform for South African music legends
One of the defining features of Cleo’s tenure was his focus on established South African musicians.
The programme became a platform for veteran performers and musicians who had played an important role in the country’s music history.
Cleo was particularly vocal about his desire to celebrate artists while they were still alive.
“I’ve been saying this, that let’s give people their flowers while they are still alive,” he said.
The late Winnie Khumalo was among the artists featured on the programme, with her appearance becoming particularly significant after her death. Her final interview was recorded on The Eskhaleni Party.
Other seasoned performers who appeared on the show included Ntando, Tshedi of Malaika, Joe Nina, Khanyo and Thebe.
Cleo’s music-first approach
Although radio presenting was a new chapter for Cleo, he made it clear that he viewed himself primarily as a musician and curator.
“I’m an entertainer and my tool of choice is music,” he said.
“I’m not the greatest radio presenter, but I’m the best at curating and presenting music,” he added.
That philosophy shaped The Eskhaleni Party, which relied heavily on live performances, DJ sets, music conversations and Cleo’s extensive knowledge of South African dance music.
The show was also recognised at the South African Social Media Awards, where The Eskhaleni Party with DJ Cleo was nominated in the Best Social Media Use by a Radio Show category.
A career built around music
Cleo leaves Radio 2000 with more than two decades of experience in South Africa’s entertainment industry.
He began DJing as a teenager and went on to establish himself as a producer and DJ, working in radio before building a successful music career.
His professional broadcasting journey included work as a mix DJ and technical producer at YFM, where he worked alongside figures including DJ Fresh.
His move to Radio 2000 in 2024 therefore represented a return to mainstream radio while allowing him to combine broadcasting with his longstanding career in music.
