Nicholus Bnicx: The radio voice championing Bunyoro music on the airwaves

Hoima: Byaruhanga Nicholus Bnicx, popularly known as Nicholus Bnicx, is a journalist and radio presenter whose work has steadily reshaped the soundscape of the Bunyoro sub-region.

A resident of Hoima City and a native of Butema Town Council in Hoima District, western Uganda, Bnicx has emerged as both a broadcaster and a passionate promoter of Bunyoro music and culture.

Bnicx is best known for his daily radio talk show and his weekly youth-focused programme, “The Youth Drive Exclusive,” a platform uniquely dedicated to playing only Bunyoro music. Through these shows, he has consistently given local artistes a voice and visibility on mainstream radio something that was once rare in the region.

In an interview with this publication, Bnicx said his journey into promoting Bunyoro music began in 2017, driven by a long-held dream to see local music dominate the airwaves.

“It has always been my dream to see Bunyoro music respected and played widely. When I started, many people including some of my fellow presenters thought I was just excited and would give up after a few months,” he said.

Despite the skepticism, Bnicx remained committed, stressing that his motivation was never financial gain or public recognition.

“My aim was not to be thanked or appreciated. However, I have personally been appreciated by some musicians who initially thought I was doing it for money,” he explained.

Bnicx also questioned the dominance of foreign music on local playlists while homegrown talent struggles for airtime.

“If we can play American music, Nigerian music, and others yet we don’t even personally know those musicians what about the music from our own sons and daughters?” he asked.

Addressing the long-held perception that Bunyoro music is inferior, Bnicx described this mindset as deeply damaging.

“Some people think Bunyoro music is not as good as others. That thinking has imprisoned many people into believing that good music must be in Luganda or English,” he said.

He pointed to a long list of talented artistes who sing in Runyoro as proof of the region’s musical strength. These include David King, Robert Prince, Planet Arone, Serena T9, AM Becky Adyeeri, Genee, Badman Crusher, Kimxela, Shantel Jovial, Jovi Keyla, International Mayinja, Easy P Omusomesa, Figo West, Moses Exodus, XY, among many others.

“The list is endless,” Bnicx noted, adding that Bunyoro boasts strong talent from Hoima, Kikuube, Masindi, Kibaale, Kagadi, Kiryandongo, and Kakumiro districts.

According to Bnicx, the tide is now turning. With new radio formats, increased club rotations, and the rise of social media, Bunyoro music is finally gaining traction.

“Now at least radios and social media are getting attracted to Bunyoro music. This makes me proud as a person,” he said.

Looking ahead, Bnicx urged Bunyoro musicians and producers to think beyond the local market and focus on branding for regional and international audiences.

“Don’t only focus on local lyrics. Brand yourselves for greater audiences,” he advised.

He cited examples of Bunyoro artistes making an impact abroad, such as Valu Neithan in South Africa and Akim Hermal in the United States, who continue to sing in Runyoro for international audiences.

“It is very possible for Bunyoro music to hit across the world,” Bnicx stressed.

He acknowledged that poor video quality previously limited the genre’s growth but believes advances in technology have largely solved that challenge.

“With the growth in technology, that problem is now history,” he said.

Bnicx concluded by calling upon the people of Bunyoro especially musicians and producers to remain patient, creative, and united in pushing their music forward.

As a journalist, presenter, and cultural advocate, Nicholus Bnicx continues to play a key role in ensuring that the voice of Bunyoro is not only heard locally, but echoed far beyond Uganda’s borders.

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