Galaxy FM presenter DJ Nimrod has credited the station’s focus on celebrity gossip, entertainment and local music with helping Ugandan artistes, particularly dancehall performers, gain popularity.
Nimrod said the station developed its programming around listeners who prefer music, celebrity updates and informal entertainment discussions to conventional news and current affairs.
“Many Ugandan artists have been made or contributed by Galaxy to their success, all artists of dancehall, babogam,” he said.
He explained that Galaxy FM identified an audience seeking an alternative to traditional radio programming, making celebrity gossip and entertainment a central part of its approach.
“Galaxy FM thought of people who are not willing to listen to news and want to listen to celebrity news and gossip. No English now like Capital FM is for only English. We have catered for those who take things not serious,” Nimrod said.
His remarks highlight the role entertainment radio can play in exposing local musicians to audiences beyond their existing fan base. Regular airplay, presenter discussions and celebrity coverage can help listeners discover new songs and artistes.
Dancehall is among the genres featured on Uganda’s urban radio scene, where entertainment programmes provide a platform for musicians to promote their work and engage with fans.
Nimrod also expressed his appreciation for Sanyu FM, clarifying that his admiration was for its music rather than the station itself.
“I loved Sanyu FM because if music, not the station,” he said.
Galaxy FM has built its programming around music, celebrity stories and presenter-led discussions, targeting listeners interested in urban entertainment. Nimrod’s comments suggest that the station’s approach was shaped by its assessment of what its audience wanted to hear.
His account also points to the different roles played by radio stations in Uganda’s broadcasting industry. While some place greater emphasis on news and current affairs, others focus on music and entertainment, offering artistes alternative avenues for reaching listeners.
For local musicians, particularly emerging performers, such platforms can provide visibility through song rotation and discussions about their music. However, Nimrod did not name specific artistes whose careers had benefited from Galaxy FM or provide figures measuring the station’s contribution to their success.
