5FM’s Sasha bids emotional farewell

Cape Town – Veteran radio DJ Sasha Martinengo has signed off his last show on 5FM on Friday.

After thanking his listeners, as well as his partner and children, and his trademark greeting “Ciao Ciao”, Sasha played out with his final song: Belfast Child by Simple Minds.

Fans of Sasha, who left the station after 18 years on air, took to Twitter to voice their thanks and to share their emotions during his last show.

“Emotional farewell for Sasha on 5fm. Feel like I’ve grown up through the ages with him around. Sure lots of people feel the same. #sasha” wrote @StyliChara.

“Wow, @F1sasha just brought me to tears! Farewell Sasha, its been a pleasure listening to your show for all these years! U are a legend!” wrote Michelle Fields ? @mteefields

“Sasha…thank you for your passion! There is only ONE like you! I’m so happy I grew up in the Sasha Era! Gonna miss u!” wrote Mareese Charmell ? @Reesiebabygirl

Sasha is leaving 5FM to take on a new position at Ferrari. He has been replaced by Tuks FM DJ Rob Forbes.

Sasha’s former sidekick and newsreader Kim Schulze will be joining Rob Vember, who will take over the 12:00 to 15:00 slot from Anele Mdoda and Grant Nash, who are also hosting their final 5FM show on Friday.

Anele, taking to the microphone at the start of her final 5FM show said Sasha leaving the station felt like the end of the Friends TV series.

“I’m in tears not because sasha is leaving. But because he now works at ferrari. All the best @F1sasha – you lucky so and so!!” wrote @KurtisCairns.

Sasha’s final DJ Decks set has been posted online.