‘Music and the Spoken Word’ reaching millions across Africa

SALT LAKE CITY — The "Music and the Spoken Word" sounded a little different this week. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the program will now be broadcast to 17 countries in Africa on a weekly basis. The church estimates the new broadcast will reach an additional eight million viewers. Members of the church in Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe and more shared their personal testimonies with the crew of "Music and the Spoken Word," sharing words in their native languages with deep personal meaning: In Southern Africa, the word ubuntu means "I am because we are." In East Africa, the words “Utu” and “Harambee” express humanity, compassion, and working together toward a common goal. In Ghana, “Nkabom” emphasizes togetherness and mutual support. In Nigeria, “Isokan” speaks of unity and being joined as one.

Choir reacts to African broadcasts

In the spirit of the words shared by African members of the church, Derrick Porter, executive producer and host of "Music and the Spoken Word" said the broadcast would be live in Africa during their prime time hours. "One of the first impressions I had after getting this calling and assignment was very simple," Porter explained. "It was three words: Go to Africa. I have spent 18 months thinking about that and counseling about that and consulting about that." One of the choir members, Peace Denenu, is from Nigeria. She said it was a dream come true, both for her and for her people in her home country. "I think back 20 years and didn't believe anything like this could happen," she said. "So let me pinch myself." While many people in Africa may not speak English, Denenu said there would still be a connection through music from the choir to the people listening. Music, she said, is a global language, just as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a global church. "Despite even when people don't understand the words, there's a spirit that, you know, you feel when you listen to us," Denenu said. Those in Utah who were interested in viewing the live broadcast at 9 a.m. in person traveled to the Salt Lake Tabernacle in downtown Salt Lake City. The doors opened at 8:15 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis to attendees ages eight and up. No tickets were required. "The most important part of that is what is happening today," Porter said. "The opportunity to share, through word and song, and through friends of ours throughout the continent, the things that matter most."

Attendee reactions

Utahns and visitors that attended the broadcast celebrated the music performed as a way to connect disparate cultures and individuals together. "Music has memory," said Jennifer Long, an attendee at Sunday's broadcast. "It, I think, gives you strength when you need it and so I feel like it's a way you can worship." Another attendee, Julie Keyes, said it was "special" to hear music performed by African chorists as part of the broadcast. "It's going to be amazing," Keyes said. Angerique Murkatete, who had traveled all the way from Rwanda, said she was happy about the new broadcasts to her country. "I like it because we meet the other people, we sing a special song and we see our country, different countries, so we are happy for, we are blessing for," Murkatete said.  

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