Q&A with 102 JAMZ personality Tap Money

Tapuwa “Tap Money” Masango is a well-known radio personality for the Triads Hip-Hop station, 102 JAMZ. Originally from New Brunswick, N.J., Masango, relocated to study mass communications at Winston-Salem State University after graduating high school. He began his career interning at 102 JAMZ upon graduating in 1995.  He is currently the assistant program director, music director and a radio personality for the radio station. He has met and interviewed some of the biggest stars in the industry including Lauryn Hill, Biggy, Jay-Z, Kevin Hart, Rick James, Nicki Minaj, Trina, Wiz Khalifa, and many more.

JOMC 220 recently caught up with Masango, who is preparing for the radio station’s biggest concert of the year, SuperJam. With only 10 days until showtime, Masango discussed his broadcasting career.

JOMC 220: What does SuperJam mean to you and what is your role?

Masango: “Wow, SuperJam means a lot to me, it’s the biggest concert put on annually by the Triad’s hip-hop station. The people look forward to it, it gives our listeners a chance to be up close and personal with the artists they hear on the radio everyday. I organize the lineup; I request the artists, host the show with the other personalities, host after parties, I do it all, its a lot,” Masango said.

JOMC 220: Who is coming to SuperJam this year and how do the artists differ from last year’s lineup?

Masango: “This year we have Rick Ross, J.Cole, Wale, 2Chainz, DJ Drama and Cash Out. This year’s lineup is crazy! They are the hottest artist out right now with the most played songs and the most requested songs. This year’s lineup is smaller, but bigger and better.”

JOMC 220: How long have you been working in Greensboro, N.C. and how did you end up here?

Masango: “I’ve been here over 17 years. I come from a two-parent, college-educated home so college wasn’t even an option. I talked with WSSU representatives during a college fair and gave it a shot.”

JOMC 220: What was your entry job and where else have you worked?

Masango: “I started interning with the morning show and I just climbed my way up. I went from interning to working in promotions to board operation, to filling in for people on air during weekend slots. I left 102 and worked for WJWZ 97.9 JAMZ is Montgomery, Ala.”

JOMC 220: What class in college helped you the most to get to the level you’re at today? What were your favorite and least favorite courses?

Masango: “Public relations course with Ms. Roseboro, she was very through. I enjoyed mass comm practicum, great for hands-on practice with TV and radio. I hated Spanish,” he said.

JOMC 220: What is the most memorable moment in your career and why?

Masango: “The September 11^th attacks and Obama being elected president. They were both significant moments that go down in history. It was interesting to read about it, watch and observe in order to relay to the people what was happening.”

JOMC 220: Define Hip-Hop

Masango: “Hip-Hop is a culture, it embodies social responsibility, language, fashion and of course music,” he replied.

JOMC 220: What is your favorite song and why?

Masango: “I don’t have just one. One that closest defines who I am is Juicy by B.I.G. It talks about a brother going down the wrong paths but turns negativity into positivity. It explains  that “Its all good”.

JOMC 220: Who are some of the people you’ve met and who was the most influential?

Masango: Lauryn Hill, Biggie, Russell Simmons, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Rick Ross, Janet Jackson, Rick James, I did a phone interview with Barack Obama. The most influential would be Rosa Parks, I met her and discussed the sit-in movement.”

JOMC 220: If you could meet someone you haven’t already, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Masango: “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I want to know what in him saw the good in humans. What gave him the strength to be legendary.”

JOMC 220: What advice would you give to aspiring radio personalities?

Masango: “Master the art of networking, find someone you inspire to be to mold your life and career around,” he said.

JOMC 220: How has radio changed compared to when your first started?

Masango: “Technology, mainly. The business changes often, but sort of stays the same. It’s still a great business with great responsibilities to change lives and to make a difference.”

JOMC 220: What is the best and worst part about radio?

Masango: “Nothing is routine. Something different happens everyday. I enjoy meeting people and interviewing them. I love music and I enjoy that mostly. This industry is not for the faint or weak. Worst part may be crazy hectic schedules with promotions and parties.”

JOMC 220: What is the worst thing to ever happen on air?

Masango: “Dead air or equipment failure.”

JOMC 220: How does news relate to radio broadcasting?

Masango: “News is vital, news is entertainment, traffic, and weather, and it goes hand in hand. News is important in radio broadcasting and its essential, how the news is presented is key.”