A few weeks ago, social media, mostly Twitter, was abuzz when Jackie Lumbasi, arguably one of the best radio presenters in Rwanda, resigned from her position as a host at Royal FM—the station she has worked at since moving to Rwanda in 2018—even becoming its manager a few years later.
Lumbasi who introduced and hosted the popular and only English breakfast show in Kigali dubbed ‘Kigali in the Morning’, caught up with The New Times’ Davis Higiro and shared her experience of charming a Rwandan audience and future plans.
A warm welcome
The outspoken journalist describes her experience in Rwanda as an amazing one since she landed in Kigali and her very first day on the show.
She was surprised by how much love and support she received on day one, both from listeners from her previous station and the Rwandan audience.
"My first day on air went well. It was incredible I got enough support from my Rwandan audience and my Ugandan people that were bidding me farewell and I’m grateful that the support did not stop on day one,” Lumbasi says.
When she joined Royal FM, the intent was to get the station more recognition, whilst promoting herself and an English breakfast show. She attributes success to her colleagues, listeners, and the goodwill of clients.
Lumbasi, who is also a Master of Ceremony, says that along the way she got many opportunities to host events, but nothing tops getting to interview the President.
"I’ve been to presidential events but never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would have a one-on-one with the President and not just any President. This is one of the most revered presidents in the world,” she says, gleefully.
On the differences between Ugandan and Rwandan radio, Lumbasi says that Ugandan radio was very vibrant, underscoring that listeners keep the radio going through participation via calls and short messages, unlike Rwandan radio where she had to prepare to talk for four hours without anyone coming through, something she says is now changing, positively.
Culture shock
According to Lumbasi, cleanliness is one of the major culture shocks she encountered in Rwanda, adding that Rwandans have got a reserved personalities.
"When you walk into a place with Rwandans, if they were talking they will keep quiet, but if it’s Kenyans making noise they will greet you as they continue to converse,” she says.
Lumbasi describes Rwandans as polite and welcoming. "I found a culture where people do not move very fast, which could have an advantage or disadvantage. I didn’t like it because I’m a very fast-paced person in what I need to get done,” she says.
Next stop
Lumbasi says among other plans, she wants to start her own radio. "I want that, it may not be this year, it might not be next year but that it is in the plan, I pray to God that I may be able to open my own radio soon.”
She adds that she is just taking a break from radio but will be joining TV, though she is yet to disclose which station she will be joining. She also wants to leverage the many years she has had in media and the communications space in consultancy and events management.
"I will still rotate around the same thing I’ve done for years and love so much, and do the kind of work that brings people, ideas, and brains together,” she says.