Khomotso Fred Bob Mabena was born on the 26th July 1969 Atteridgeville - Pretoria to the late Thomas and Mokgadi Mabena. He matriculated at Saulridge High School - Atteridgeville,  where he earned popularity for his debating and dance skills. One of his early high school highlights was an appearance on Lapologa, a talent show on SABC TV for which he won a prize. Little did he know that the limelight would become his permanent home in later years. Upon matriculating, Bob earned his stripes on the club circuit as a talented DJ who was gifted with an impeccable craft for mixing tracks on the legendary SL 1200. 

In 1988 Bob moved to Mmabatho in pursuit of his broadcasting dream at Radio Bop. This move would mark the beginning of a sterling career. Soon after landing the drive time slot, Bob secured his first TV gig, On The Beat, a music show he co-hosted with his radio colleague Zandile Nzalo whom he married in 1995. She aptly named him The Jammer, a name he carried always and was fondly known by to his fans, friends and followers.

Bob’s brilliance soon gained him recognition with broader audiences hence, it came as no surprise when Radio Metro poached him for the Drive Show in 1990. His stint at the station brought with it national exposure in the form of a variety of TV commercials and TV shows, including “Pick a Tune” and “Studio Mix”, to mention a few. While at Radio Metro, Bob raced professionally in the Group N Series for Nissan South Africa.

In 1996, Bob moved to Highveld Stereo (now 94.7) as a drive time host  where he ascended to the position of Programme Manager within record time. He made Kaya FM  his home in 1999 when he joined the breakfast show as host and Programme Manager and later Station Manager. 

Mabena  took a sabbatical from on-air presenting for two and a half years to fulfil the role of  Business Development Manager Group Level at Primedia Group. This move would prove to be his foray into the corporate world.

Other executive positions he held over the years include; SABC - Executive Manager Commercial Radio stations; Metro F, 5FM and Good Hope FM. He was later recruited by MRC Radio as Director in charge of their Radio Stations; Gagasi FM and Heart FM. It wasn’t long however before the live-radio bug bit him again and Mabena re-joined Kaya FM as Breakfast Host on 180 with Bob. At the same time, he established a Radio Consultancy – EndowMedia – where he coached hundreds of aspiring radio and television presenters. At the time of his passing, Bob served as Group Head of Progamming - MSG Afrika and host of The Power Breakfast.

A celebrated icon and a consummate professional, Bob amassed multiple awards in the three decades of his dynamic career including; Best Radio Presenter Artes Awards 1994; Best TV Presenter Artes Award 1996; Hall of Fame induction MTN 2012 and Best Breakfast Show MTN 2013.

In 1994 he earned a SAMA Award for the acclaimed hit Get Funky which he recorded with Doctor Kumalo.

On his 51st birthday, Bob released The Jammer House Mix Volume 1, a compilation of his favourite house tracks for which he was planning a launch in the coming weeks. He had also been finalising his autobiography capturing The Life and Time of The Jammer; a reflection on his dynamic 30 year career. A family man, a mentor to many and a loving father, Bob is survived by his wife, Eucharist and 8 children whom he fondly referred to as the “Mabena Clan”.

A mighty legend has fallen.You may be off-air Bob, but your legacy will live and transcend space and time. 

Rest In Peace Jammer.

“The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18