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THE mention of Metro FM's The Secret Ingredient (TSI) duo - Thato Mataboge and Amon Mokoena - elicits eye rolls from a more conservative listenership. The two host a show that is a hotbed for raunchy controversial topics and moral dilemmas that are sometimes often provocative.

But if one uses their more than 700,000 listenership as a measuring stick, it seems their listeners love what they are offering.

Mokoena disagrees with those who claim the show can be too young and childish.

He says they are all about having responsible fun with their content.

Mokoena adds that the lunch-time slot is a very difficult one and requires lots of fun and entertainment because people are usually not concentrating at that time.

"You cannot bombard people with lots of information at that time. Our information is light-hearted to allow people to multi-task," he says.

He seems to know what he is talking about. With more than 10 years of experience, Mokoena has worked at some of the country's leading radio stations such as Motsweding FM, 94.7 Highveld Stereo and YFM. He is also a former producer for SABC1's music show Live.

It is difficult to associate Mokoena with this show. When the married father of two is not on radio, he describes himself as down-to-earth and a level-headed gentleman who keeps to himself.

"I am a very shy person, andiphaphi. I only go to parties to support friends or to work," says Mokoena, who has a communications degree from North West University.

The duo's hectic schedule is manic. There are voice-overs, gigs and a lot of research to prepare for their show.

The two, who have been friends for more than six years before they teamed up for this radio slot, want to share the spotlight and not outshine each other as Mokoena insists that we should also talk to his partner.

"We know each other very well, that is why there is that chemistry. We are a team. That is why it is easy to transfer our fun energy to the listener."

The presenter, who is known for speaking his mind, adds that anyone who says the show is infantile does not have a sense of humour.

The two are so close they work on similar projects outside their Metro FM slot.

They have just dropped a 12-track house album which is locally produced and features budding artists from the West Rand who call themselves "Delux Fam".

The singles Segarona and Midnight Train are hot on the airwaves at the moment.

Making music while working as radio deejays has always been criticised by many as conflict of interests, especially since those same deejays have to market their music in those stations.

What does Mataboge think about this?

"Life is not one dimensional. People who have a problem with this need to get a life. You cannot restrict your talents."

Catch the two deejays on The Secret Ingredient (TSI) on Metro FM (Mondays to Fridays from 12pm-3pm).