New Show: Hassen Rojoa Makes His Grand Return on Radio Plus

Title: New Show: Hassen Rojoa Makes His Grand Return on Radio Plus

Date: Sat, 14/06/2025 - 15:00

Imagine doing your shopping and your favorite radio station shows up to pay for your items at the checkout. This is the concept behind "Radio Plus Leker Mama." This show will be part of the new programming lineup on Radio Plus, hosted by Hassen Rojoa every weekday from 3 PM to 4:30 PM.

Hassen Rojoa explains that the economic context is challenging and that the goal of the island's number one radio station is to brighten the daily lives of Mauritians. "Many Mauritians are facing difficult situations, whether socially, economically, or personally. The mission of Radio Plus has always been to stay close to its listeners and bring them smiles," he says. That’s why he proposed the concept of "Radio Plus Leker Mama" to bring some cheer to the hearts of Mauritians.

Radio Plus Leker Mama focuses on the social aspect and being close to the audience. "For example, we could pay someone's electricity bill," he adds. This show aims to be outside the studio and mobile, allowing Hassen Rojoa to meet with Mauritians directly.

35 Years in the Radio Industry

It has been 35 years since he started in the world of radio, having begun with hosting earlier. He completed his schooling at the Royal College of Port-Louis. During the December holidays, he and some friends offered to host at a clothing store in Vacoas, his hometown. "After school, we would often go to this store, where the manager had become a friend. He already had a sound system, so we started announcing prices over the microphone with background music," he recalls. At that time, it was a new concept for sales, promotions, and hosting. "Sales exploded during December," he adds.

Later, he went to France to study medicine but soon realized that it wasn't for him and changed directions. On a friend's advice, Hassen Rojoa decided to study psychology and developed an interest in philosophy.

An opportunity to do university radio arose, and he decided to host a show on Indian classical music, despite not knowing much about it. The multicultural influence of the island helped him shape his program.

He then worked with Radio France and France Inter, among others. After fifteen years in France, he received an offer to become the station manager for NRJ in La Réunion. He stayed there for less than five years before seizing the chance to present a show on the national television channel. "It was a natural progression," he says. He explains that in radio, it's the voice that captivates listeners and words that create visuals. "On television, you have to manage both image and sound," says Hassen Rojoa.

Moreover, he asserts that the radio scene in Mauritius is just as vibrant as in France. "The difference lies in history: free radio has existed in France since 1981, while it started in Mauritius in 2002. Community radios in France continue to grow, and their population is 67 million compared to 1.3 million here."

His overflowing energy, zest for life, and uplifting voice resonate with Mauritians. In 2002, he was invited to join Radio Plus with the rise of private radio stations in Mauritius. "Radio Plus did things differently. There were no language barriers, as we prioritized Kreol Morisien on-air, which brought us closer to the audience," he says.

Fame

Gradually, Hassen Rojoa became well-known for his morning show and pranks. "I brought my knowledge and talent to Radio Plus, and Radio Plus contributed to my fame," he claims.

Today, he believes that Radio Plus has succeeded in its mission of connecting with its audience.

Hence, the Radio Plus Leker Mama show. "With the rise of social media, the way we do radio has evolved. Listeners can hear us on the airwaves and see us on various digital platforms of Le Défi Media Group," he notes.

Through this show, Radio Plus continues its mission: to educate, inform, entertain, and engage with the community. Drawing on his years of experience, Hassen Rojoa also wishes to share his knowledge with young hosts.