Dave Guselli is pure Cowies Hill Gold
If you regularly tuned in to ECR, Durban's number one hit music station, over the years chances are you're familiar with the smooth tone of Dave Guselli's voice. Having started his illustrious career in local broadcasting in 1981, Dave Guselli has grown to be a well-recognised and respected member of the industry. He gained his big break at Capital Radio 604 in Port St. Johns until he was poached by KZN's most popular radio station, East Coast Radio, prompting his move to Durban in 1992 where he spent 22 years. Dave then moved to Cape Town to head up the afternoon Drive Show on Magic 828, but now he's back where he belongs, at home in Cowies Hill and on-air with East Coast Gold!
Speaking to Dave, it's not hard to understand why he's been so popular on the airwaves for over 40 years. He attributes his longevity in the business and his success on-air to simply being relatable to his listeners and valuing one-on-one communication. His warm and welcoming hosting style is a testament to East Coast Gold's growing popularity. You can catch his shows every weekday from 10am-2pm and Saturdays from 2pm-6pm. If you're an old-school music lover like Dave, you'll undoubtedly enjoy his playlist of the classic hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s.
At home in charming Cowies Hill
A long-standing Cowies Hill resident, Dave says there's no place like home and the decision to put down roots in the area was an easy one. He reflects on the sense of camaraderie the community showed during the civil unrest and unfortunate looting of 2021. "I had never been more proud to call myself a local. The support from neighbours who all rallied together to keep our cherished landmarks safe was amazing." Dave lent a helping hand at the Westville Superspar by hosting uplifting DJ sessions and playing music to keep everyone's spirits going during a trying time.
Memorable moments
From playing DJ gigs for free in parking lots to hosting MC events on some of the world's biggest stages, Dave notes some of the most interesting times of his career. He knew he had found his purpose early in his career when he and his team at Capital Radio 604 were integral in raising over R200,000 for a little girl in the USA who needed a malignant brain tumour removed. The procedure was successful and they are still in contact today. "I find it very rewarding helping those in need through my ability to spread awareness," says Dave. When he's not busy on-air or MCing events, Dave is an ambassador for The Sunflower Fund and the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA).
"Some of the best moments of my career haven't been the glitz and glam of show business but the real everyday people I meet and whose lives I get to impact," he acknowledges.
A man about town
So where does the man who has rubbed shoulders with the likes of Nelson Mandela, Celine Dion, Michael Jackson, Elton John and other celebrities spend his time? The light-hearted local who has the privilege of calling Lionel Richie a friend enjoys the simple things in life. His favourite pastime is walking his dog Bella on the beach. "I appreciate living in such a central suburb because everything I enjoy is around the corner or a short drive away. This is perfect for my lifestyle because I can catch up with mates at Mugg & Bean in Westville Mall, do some shopping and still have time for a stroll on the beach. I spend some afternoons busy running errands after my show, so living in Cowies Hill is a great convenience for me."
Staying on top of his game
While Dave acknowledges how fortunate he's been to have found an ideal work-life balance that grounds him, he advises those trying to break into radio to be authentic. "The trick is to want to make a difference, have a genuine passion for music and more importantly - people." And it seems he has passed this philosophy on to his son Danny Guselli, who is also a radio presenter on East Coast Radio, and lives down the road from Dave in Westville. The pair own an events company called The Main Event and MC for major organisations all over South Africa, including the Comrades Marathon, which Dave notes is always a pleasure having such a historic event on his doorstep in Cowies Hill.
Keep up with local legend Dave Guselli on his Facebook or Instagram page and you never know, you might just spot him at Mugg & Bean. If you do, he says, "stop and say hello! I'm always up for a coffee and a chat."