KAMPALA — Preaching the gospel to the corporate community through music is the pivotal objective of the Levites of the State Band, a gospel music group formed to minister at state and corporate functions.
The group, comprising several gospel music artistes, was formed in September last year after a number of musicians were invited to perform at the National Prayer Breakfast at State House.
During the event, some musicians performed for the guests while others took to the podium to deliver messages of faith and spiritual encouragement. The function, which attracts government officials and other stakeholders, provided an opportunity for the musicians to discuss how they could use music to reach people who rarely have time to attend church or gospel concerts.
It was from this interaction that the musicians agreed to form a band, which they named the Levites of the State Band, with a focus on performing at state and corporate events and functions attended by government officials and other professionals.
According to the band’s leader and gospel musician Dulya Ritah Martha, the group’s formation was driven by the desire to take the Word of God closer to the corporate community through music.
She explained that many state and corporate officials have busy schedules that leave them with little time to attend gospel concerts or church services, making corporate and state functions an important platform for reaching them with messages of faith.
“Levites of the State Band does not perform at every function but is limited to state and corporate functions,” Dulya Ritah said.
She added that although the band would also like to perform at middle-class events, its mission and vision restrict it from appearing before every audience.
However, Dulya Ritah noted that individual band members remain free to minister at other events in their personal capacities.
Since its formation, the band has released one song titled “One Nation, One People,” which promotes love, unity, equality, peace and transparency.
The group also has several other songs that have not yet been recorded but are performed live during its appearances. Plans are underway to record and release more of its music.
The Levites of the State Band has 15 members, including Pastor Wilson Bugembe, Pastor Herbert Twina, Pastor Justine Nabossa, Jean Peace Nakiyingi, Dulya Ritah Martha, Betina Namukose, Shilah Tugume, Ssali Isabela, Dickens Ssali, Atuhairwe Immaculate and Apostle Jonathan, among others.
The band’s patron is Hon. Pastor Mary Begumisa, the former Member of Parliament for Ssembabule District.
