South African DJ and producer DJ Cleo has stepped down from Radio 2000, ending his 28-month run as host of The Eskhaleni Party as he shifts his focus back to music, family, studies and personal wellbeing.
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — August 23, 2026 — Veteran South African DJ and producer DJ Cleo has resigned from Radio 2000, bringing his 28-month stint at the SABC radio station to an end.
Cleo, whose real name is Tlou Monyepao, confirmed that his Saturday, August 22 broadcast of The Eskhaleni Party would be his final show on the station.
According to Daily Sun, Cleo joined Radio 2000 on April 5, 2024 and went on to build The Eskhaleni Party into a programme focused heavily on South African music, DJs and established performers.
His departure comes more than two years after he joined the public broadcaster as part of its programming lineup.
DJ Cleo explains why he is leaving Radio 2000
In his resignation statement, Cleo said he had decided to redirect his energy toward other parts of his life and career.
He identified his music career, family, academic journey and personal wellbeing among the priorities he now wants to focus on.
Cleo also made clear that his departure should not be interpreted as a move to another broadcaster.
As reported by BuzzLife News, the musician said he was not leaving Radio 2000 to join a competing station.
ENTERTAINMENT
DJ Cleo Leaves Radio 2000 After 28 Months to Focus on Music
Aug 23, 2026
Aug 23, 2026
4 min read
Published
Updated:
South African DJ and producer DJ Cleo has stepped down from Radio 2000, ending his 28-month run as host of The Eskhaleni Party as he shifts his focus back to music, family, studies and personal wellbeing.
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — August 23, 2026 — Veteran South African DJ and producer DJ Cleo has resigned from Radio 2000, bringing his 28-month stint at the SABC radio station to an end.
Cleo, whose real name is Tlou Monyepao, confirmed that his Saturday, August 22 broadcast of The Eskhaleni Party would be his final show on the station.
According to Daily Sun, Cleo joined Radio 2000 on April 5, 2024 and went on to build The Eskhaleni Party into a programme focused heavily on South African music, DJs and established performers.
His departure comes more than two years after he joined the public broadcaster as part of its programming lineup.
DJ Cleo explains why he is leaving Radio 2000
In his resignation statement, Cleo said he had decided to redirect his energy toward other parts of his life and career.
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He identified his music career, family, academic journey and personal wellbeing among the priorities he now wants to focus on.
Cleo also made clear that his departure should not be interpreted as a move to another broadcaster.
As reported by BuzzLife News, the musician said he was not leaving Radio 2000 to join a competing station.
Instead, the move marks a return of focus to the areas that have shaped much of his career outside radio.
The Eskhaleni Party grew during Cleo's tenure
Cleo initially joined Radio 2000 in April 2024, hosting The Eskhaleni Party on Friday nights.
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The programme later expanded to include a Saturday edition, giving guest DJs longer sets and allowing the show to engage audiences outside the studio at different venues around the country.
During Cleo's time at the station, the programme also became a platform for established South African musicians.
Artists including Ntando, Tshedi of Malaika, Joe Nina, Khanyo and Thebe appeared on the show, according to BuzzLife News.
Cleo frequently used the programme to celebrate veteran musicians and their contributions to South African music.
The Eskhaleni Party with DJ Cleo also received industry recognition during his tenure, including a nomination at the Telkom Radio Awards after its first year on air, according to Daily Sun.
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Music, studies and artist development come next
Although Cleo is leaving Radio 2000, he has indicated that he is not stepping away from entertainment.
Daily Sun reported that his plans include completing his degree, performing at live events and continuing to develop artists.
The DJ and producer has spent more than two decades in South Africa's entertainment industry and remains closely associated with the country's house and dance music scenes.
His broadcasting background also stretches back years. Before his Radio 2000 role, Cleo had previously worked in radio, including as a mix DJ and technical producer at YFM.
The end of his Radio 2000 run therefore closes another chapter in a career that has moved between music production, DJing, entrepreneurship and broadcasting.
Cleo has also indicated that the Eskhaleni brand itself is not ending with his departure from the station, leaving open the possibility that it could continue in another form as he begins his next chapter.
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