Why Flava Is The Old School Hip-Hop & R&B Radio Station NZ Needed

July 13th 2020 saw a change in radio in New Zealand.

Flava, the station with ‘the beats that move you’ changed to an old school hip-hop and r&b radio station. This was a first in New Zealand and long over-due.

I caught up with Azura, who’s responsible for those weekday bangers at Flava to find out more about the team, why should people tune in, and why make the change now,

HUA: Congrats on the change. With the amount of new music that is being released, why did Flava change to an old school radio station?

Simple, we KNOW the music is good. Each track has been tried and tested over the years, so selecting “bangers” is easy. Why roll the dice with a new track when we can play songs that have been loved for years?

For hip-hop & r&b fans who don’t listen to Flava, why should they tune in now?

If you are a true Hip Hop & RnB fan then there is no station like Flava. The 90s and 2000s is where it all began for the genres’ and that’s what we play! For years radio has heard fans talk about those era’s, asking for more old school, and finally, we’ve listened. We are the only station in the country playing the best Old School Hip Hop & RnB if you haven’t already – listen! The first 10,000 songs are ad-free... that’s one whole month no ads.

I’ve mentioned to you and Athena multiple times that I’ve waited in my car until certain songs have finished. What’s the feedback been like from your listeners?

Incredible. Ange, you’re not the only one to sit in your car, during re-launch day we had someone admit they spent 43 minutes in their car outside work. there's been thousands of texts, calls and messages across all platforms flood in. We are ecstatic with how positive the response has been. We read each message and listen to each voicemail on Flava’s Feedback Line (0800OGFLAVA).

The station is celebrating 16 years on the air. What can we expect from Flava in the future?

MORE BANGERS! We have so many exciting things lined up for the tail-end of 2020, I don’t think you’re all ready?

What’s it like working with the Flava team?

Our team is so open, honest, and above all fun. Waking up every day to work with people you respect and look up too is a blessing. We may be a small team but our passion for Flava and our music is HUGE!

What’s your favourite old school jam?

This is like a trick question! Who can answer that! Each day I think I know what song is my favourite, like Fugees – Ready or Not... Then another banger comes on and I change my mind. At the moment every time one of these three play I almost blow the studio speakers and my vocal cords: Suga Suga – Baby Bash, Blackberry molasses – Mista , Sure thing - Miguel

Anything else you’d like to mention?

2020 has been a historical year to live through, many people have suffered extreme circumstances but there’s something about hearing the perfect song, taking a moment and just enjoying life – this one is for you! 😊

Tune in to Flava on 95.8 or across iHeartRadio