Guest performer on the "NuBeat" radio show, Uganda
Each week for the last eight years, we have been broadcasting a free, syndicated, public service youth programme called NuBeat from seven major upcountry FM stations. This comment from the regional governor of Nebbi District in North West Uganda shows the positive impact NuBeat has had amongst the youth:
"The programme has had a very positive effect on the youth. As a result of listening to NuBeat, I think their lifestyles have somehow changed. Before the programme we had been registering a lot of mishaps with the youth, but of late some humbleness has come up with some of the youth. We shall be most grateful if we can have more such programmes on the air".
Each NuBeat show has six original songs, and a variety of jingles. It also includes at least one or two songs from Ugandan artists. Other regular features include "A Wealth of Health", "Words from the Wise", "Thought for the Day", "Just for Laughs" and "Did You Know?" Each show also includes at least two short inspirational stories, as well as a comedy skit.
The content of the show is motivational and inspirational, appealing to people of all faiths and persuasions. Listeners with Internet access can download for free thousands of NuBeat songs from http://nubeat.org/.
NuBeat and Radio West
NuBeat has played on Radio West, which is the second largest FM station in Uganda, for the past two years. It is their only English programme, as all the rest are in local tribal languages. Here is a letter from Felix, a listener in Ibanda, a tiny village in Western Uganda, where he makes mud bricks to earn money to pay his school fees.
I thank the Lord for your radio show, because it means a lot to many of us. I felt tears of joy when I heard your voice on Radio West on Easter Day. I liked your message very much. Not only the message, but also the music was meaningful. The message on the programme was to open my heart for Jesus' Spirit to enter and set me free since He died for me on the cross, and that He is on my side so I will not die but live forever. I have come to know if you open your heart for Him, His presence comes in rapidly. I came to know that Jesus does not discriminate against people. Whether rich or poor, ugly or beautiful, we will go to Heaven, if we give our lives to Jesus. —Felix
With so much of our listener response now coming in by e-mail and SMS from our live daily Night Light radio show in the main city of Kampala, it is encouraging to continue to get these handwritten letters coming in from remote upcountry areas—places where we would be unlikely to reach by any other means.