For a century, radio has informed, entertained, and educated us. – Jackie Lumbasi
World Radio Day 2024 marks the second time in twenty years that I will be celebrating it away from the radio, a medium that has shaped my career in media. My journey began when a stranger, charmed by my voice and energy, introduced me to a radio station in need of a news presenter. I will never forget that day, going about my business, dressed like I was going to get something from the nearest kiosk, only for this stranger to insist that regardless of my dress code that was the day he had to take me to the radio station, my plea to at least go home and change fell on deaf ears. That opportunity marked the beginning of my multifaceted career in radio, both behind the microphone and behind the scenes in administrative roles.
After three years of honing my skills in news presentation, I sought new challenges and convinced a TV manager to give me a chance. This leap of faith resulted in an eight-year stint as an anchor for the main evening news bulletin, concurrently with my radio responsibilities.
A highlight of my time in radio was hosting a breakfast show for 15 consecutive years—a challenging but rewarding endeavor.
Despite my experiences across radio, television, and print media, my heart always remained with radio. The unique bond between radio presenters and their audience is unparalleled. When I first started, I prayed for the opportunity to use radio as a ministry, to breathe life into the weary and bring joy to those struggling to face the day. My early morning schedule meant I was a constant presence for listeners starting their day, striving to be the same authentic person on-air as off-air. It was important to me that the Jackie people heard on the radio was the same one they sat next to on the bus or served in a banking hall or a grocery store. It worked perfectly. Until today the warm hugs, handshakes, and high fives that follow after someone turns their head on hearing my voice in a crowd remains humbling.
Radio can be tricky; you do four hours on air unsure of who is tuned in until you either bump into them and they remind you of a story you told on air or they send you a text to say they are on. The impact of my time on air became evident through interactions with fans in different places and times.
Young people came to me seeking career advice and whenever I could, I would set time aside to mentor those I thought were serious about it. One memorable experience was mentoring a university student and aspiring radio host who reached out to me. Our first meeting in 2013 led to her involvement in voiceovers and eventually to her own show in 2023 at my former radio station. That is what I always wanted; for someone to say I sowed a seed. I said something on air or gave them their first tour of a radio station and that drove them to pursue a radio career. Until today I receive messages of appreciation and they melt my heart. Such stories affirm the transformative power of radio.
Radio’s ability to connect with listeners on a personal level, offering solace and companionship without judgment, remains unmatched. Despite the rise of new media platforms, radio holds a special place for those seeking genuine connection.
As we celebrate a century of radio’s impact with the theme, ‘a century informing, entertaining, and educating,’ we look forward to another hundred years of meaningful broadcasts. Radio, with its rich history and enduring relevance, continues to be a beacon of light in the media landscape.
Jackline Nake Lumbasi is a prominent Kenyan media personality. She gained recognition for co-hosting the Big Breakfast Show on 91.3 Capital FM from 2008 to 2018. Additionally, she was known for her work as an evening news presenter on UBC in Uganda until 2014.
In February 2018, Lumbasi left the Capital FM airwaves and joined Royal FM in Rwanda to host a morning show in English. She is currently a strategic communications consultant with the UNDP in Rwanda. Celebrated for her distinctive deep, husky voice and infectious laughter, Lumbasi was noted as one of the highest-paid radio presenters in Uganda.
