Earlier last year, NRG Radio Uganda, a fresh face in the Ugandan radio scene, launched the NRGETIC MVPs campaign. This initiative aimed to discover talented individuals to become the next radio king or queen, social media manager, content creator, and in-house DJ at NRG. The campaign, much like this year’s BEAST MVP, saw over 100 people shortlisted for auditions. From the finale, winners emerged, including Christine Ekakoro (a.k.a. Eka) and Ishaque Nsubuga (a.k.a. Big Boy Shaque) as radio hosts. Also victorious were DJs Beats and Robin Kist, along with social media gurus Deliverance Kutosi and Drek Mugume.
As this year’s campaign heats up, proving to be highly competitive, we want to profile the past winners in news series dubbed From NRGETIC MVPs to BEAST MVPs. They will share their experiences from the previous contest, their journey joining NRG Radio, and offer tips to this year’s participants. In this series first installment, we feature Big Boy Shaque.
Ishaque currently hosts the #NRGBreakfastShowUG on NRG Radio alongside the top NRG MVP Radio Queen, Eka, and the celebrated Prim Asiimwe. The show, which also features fantastic radio mixes by DJ Beats, airs live every Monday to Friday from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM. “Don’t hesitate to listen to us as you make your way to work, campus, or as you get ready for school,” Ishaque says.
Big Boy Shaque is not just a radio host; he’s also a multimedia journalist, voice-over artist and coach, poet, and English language tutor. His career began in 2016 as an MC at high school events, alongside debating and writing poetry. He pursued voice-over artistry as a freelancer, becoming the voice behind the famous MTN Data bundles ads. His passion for radio ignited in 2020 when he joined the Media Challenge Initiative to work on their online MCI Radio. It was there he learned of the #NRGeticMVPs contest and emerged a winner.
Reflecting on his experience, Ishaque recalls, “I was hesitant about auditioning for the NRGetic MVPs experience in 2023, suspecting it might be another scam like many others in Kampala. I submitted my video at the last minute, just to try, and it turned out to be the best decision of my year. It transformed my career.”
He adds that when he first walked into NRG Radio, he knew he had to give it his all. “The auditions were challenging, with many talented and well-known contestants. But by being true to myself, I managed to win the Radio King category.” This win later became his biggest achievement of 2023.
Why NRG for Ishaque? The flamboyant host explains that the job at NRG Radio felt like a perfect fit for his identity and exceeded all his expectations. The team at NRG, he says, is vibrant and respectful. “Working alongside Prim Asiimwe, who has been in the industry for a while, is a privilege. I learn so much from her every day. My fellow winners from the MVPs experience, Eka and DJ Beats, have become like family.”
As for the show itself, being part of the NRG Breakfast Club is an incredible experience for Ishaque. He loves “how we connect with our listeners every morning, entertaining and engaging with them as they start their day. It’s amazing to be part of their routine and bring energy and joy to their mornings.”
For those applying to the BEAST MVPs Challenge, Ishaque advises being genuine and letting your personality shine. “Remember, your only real competition is yourself. Show up as your best self each time, and you’ll have a great chance at winning.”