Father’s Day with Danny and Dave Guselli
East Coast Radio presenter Danny Guselli opens up about his relationship with his father Dave Guselli.
We're celebrating Father's Day with one of KZN's favourite father-and-son pairs - Danny and Dave Guselli.
The name Dave Guselli is one many Durbanites know all too well. Dave has been heating up South Africa's airwaves for decades and built a fanbase in KZN during a long-running stint on East Coast Radio.
Danny has also been making a name for himself in the radio industry. He is now a presenter at the very same radio station.
They share many special memories – both on and off-air. Danny says there are “too many to choose from” but there is one childhood memory that stands out.
When Danny was 13 years old, he travelled to England with his dad for football trials at Manchester City.
“After the trial at Manchester City, I was in the car with my dad and his brother Steven. My dad had been given a certificate to see if I had been accepted to Manchester City's academy. My heart was in my throat, my dad opened the envelope, he read it, which felt like five minutes, he then said, ‘Danny, you have done it. You have been accepted’. We were overjoyed! A memory I will never forget!” he said.
Danny excelled at football and went on to sign his first professional contract in Matric. Dave was by his side every step of the way and watched him play at many of his games.
ALSO READ: The man behind the voices: Danny gets to know the Ndlovu Youth Choir conductor
Football might have been his first love but watching his father in the studio inspired Danny to follow in his footsteps.
“I always wanted to be a presenter from a young age. From the age of six, I used to sit in the studio and watch my dad. I was fascinated by all the buttons and lights. My dad and I could never go out to the shops or have lunch without someone asking for an autograph or a picture.”
Having a famous dad like Dave had its perks, but it also came with a lot of challenges.
“To be honest, the reason I started radio later rather than sooner was because I didn't want people to think, ‘oh he got the job because of his dad’. I’ve always wanted to achieve things because of my own talent and hard work. Also, I didn't want people to compare us, but who was I kidding, people were always going to do that,” Danny said.
Despite always being compared to his father, Danny has his own presenting style and on-air personality.
“I am lucky that we are very different on-air. I would never try and emulate my dad’s presenting style, I would fail dismally. I still get messages on the radio WhatsApp line asking about my dad. Some people call me Dave, I used to correct them but now I don’t bother.”
Danny is proud of his father's accomplishments and has learned a lot from him.
“I am so lucky that I get to learn from a legend in the industry. My ability today is largely thanks to my dad's guidance. He taught me one-to-one connection, the basics, the do's and don’ts, and more. When he gives me constructive criticism, I remove the dad factor and listen to him as a radio guru.
“I really believe he should be a radio consultant. He would be the best in the country at that. He will give you a compliment when you have done great radio and then also correct you when you go wrong in the hopes that you learn from it and don’t do it again. A lot of radio mentors always tell you what you are doing wrong but don't boost your confidence with complimenting you when you do great radio,” Danny said.
ALSO READ: Listen: Danny and 'Michael Buble' pull epic prank on Neil Green
When he is not getting pro-tips from his dad, Danny enjoys watching football and Formula 1 with his old man.
“We try to watch Manchester United games together when it’s not too torturous! We are big Lewis Hamilton fans. Just a catch up is always good, even if it’s talking in the garden. “
This Father’s Day will be a laidback one for Danny and Dave.
“We normally just go to Vegas and relive 'The Hangover' experience... Haha, we wish! It's normally us just having lunch somewhere and giving him a bottle of red wine, his favourite.”
Catch Danny in action on the 'ECR Top 40 with Danny & Tee' every Saturday from from 10:00 - 14:00.
Danny and Tee are also on the airwaves Sundays from 10:00 - 14:00.