Melody Miya: The Voice Behind Orlando Pirates’ Stadium Thrill
When the Sea Robbers take to the pitch, there’s one voice that instantly electrifies the stands: the unmistakable energy of Melody Miya, Orlando Pirates’ charismatic stadium announcer. For seven seasons, his booming voice and infectious personality have been the heartbeat of home games, bridging the club and its loyal fans.
But behind the mic is the story of a boy who simply refused to be confined by focusing on one thing.
“For me, getting into stadium announcing started because I studied sports at UJ. I did my undergraduate in Sports Management, completed my Sports Management Honours, and even pursued my Master’s in Sports Recreation, although I had to put that on pause because work became quite overwhelming. All of this was at UJ.”
“While I was studying sports, radio came into the picture through UJ FM. I became a sports journalist on the 5th of May 2011, and that experience really shifted my mindset and took me out of the hood. I started with sports bulletins, and as time went on, I realized maybe there’s more. I live by that spirit, that there’s always more. Whether it’s more problems, more prosperity, or more confusion, there’s always more to explore.”
That call was the beginning of a journey that would take him from the UJ FM studios to some of the loudest stadiums in South Africa. His voice, first used for bulletins, soon found its rhythm in live shows. Miya remembers his first broadcast show with a smile:
“Two years in, I realized there was more for me. I prayed about it, then went to my manager and asked if I could audition for a show. He agreed, and I even submitted a proposal. After training, I finally got my own show between 18:00 and 19:00, and my very first guest was my dad. That moment marked the start of my broadcasting journey expanding.”
“Fast forward to my final days at UJ, I received a call asking if I’d be interested in being a stadium announcer. I knew I had the energy for it; that was never in doubt, so I said, ‘Yeah, let’s give it a try.”
“They gave me a script, and I did my first Varsity Cup match. It felt amazing, even though I was all over the place. Over time, I grew into it and eventually became recognized as the best MC for Varsity Sports in South Africa. I was flown across provinces, visiting different universities to host the finals for various sporting codes like hockey and netball.”
“Stadium announcing became a big part of me, but I always kept radio close to my heart. I loved the diversity that radio gave me, especially with music. I’d even curate music with my DJ, which made the experience even more exciting.”
From Varsity Cup to Buccaneers’ Fortress
Melody’s first taste of stadium announcing came unexpectedly during a Varsity Cup match. Armed with a script and his natural flair, he brought the game to life, though he admits he was “all over the place.” The learning curve was steep, but the passion was unshakable.
Soon, he became a sought-after voice for varsity sports, MC-ing hockey, netball, and major finals across provinces. Then came the life-changing call:
“One day, I got a call from Orlando Pirates. I still remember it clearly, I was just about to get off the plane after another varsity event when my phone rang. They told me, ‘We’ve heard about you.’ Long story short, that call changed everything. Now, we’re heading into our 8th season together, and it’s been an incredible journey ever since.”
Seven seasons of consistency and connection have made Miya more than just a voice but a part of the Orlando Pirates stadium experience.
The Fans’ Announcer
Stadium announcing, for Melody, is about more than lineups and goal shouts. It’s about building a connection.
“By the time I get to the stadium, I intentionally connect myself to the people. I’d arrive and greet all the security guards around the field. Every game for last 7 seasons without fail. While I’m doing that, I’m greeting the fans. By the time I get to the starting lineups, they all know that it’s about to get heated. No one taught me that. I found a little way to connect to the fans. I have the uthority with them. That’s passion, that’s connection, that’s drive, you don’t buy it.”
Among his many memories, his debut match remains etched in his heart, the 2018/19 home clash against Cape Town City.
“My most memorable match would easily be against Cape Town City, 2018-19 season, home game. We lost the game but it was my first game. That was my opening game and my second game was my first derby. Having to stand there in the FNB Stadium, 90 000 crowd as a small boy, was no child’s play. The feeling, your voice over these people.”
The Man Behind the Mic
Off the mic, Miya is a planner and professional. His calendar is packed with games, gigs, and appearances, supported by a small but efficient team of photographer, road manager, and brand manager, all built from his singular focus and passion.
“In the last seven seasons, I’ve never missed a home game. It’s all about time management. I’ve already updated my calendar for the next three months with all the gigs, games, and events I’m booked for. I’ve also built a professional team to work with me: a photographer, road manager, brand manager, and all of that started with one person deciding to focus.”
As Orlando Pirates march into the new season with new battles, one thing is certain: Melody Miya will be there, voice soaring over the stands, uniting the Buccaneers’ faithful with every announcement.
Because for the man who lives by the mantra of “there’s always more,” the stadium is more than a workplace, it’s home.