Uganda’s East African Gospel Ministers at Finland’s Valofestarit Gospel Festival 2026
Nummela, Finland — August 8, 2026
Uganda’s East African Gospel ministry brought the vibrant sound of East African gospel music to Finland’s Valofestarit Gospel Festival on August 8, 2026, joining Finnish gospel music teams and believers for an evening of praise, worship and Christian fellowship at Nummela Town Square.
The festival was part of East African Gospel’s 10-day ministry tour of Finland, which ran from August 3 to 12, 2026. The visit aimed to share the hope of Christ through gospel music, strengthen international Christian fellowship and create opportunities for cultural exchange. The tour was hosted by the Free Church of Vihti and ViaDia Länsi-Uusimaa ry, following an invitation from Pastor Timo Kulta and the local ministry team.
Bringing Uganda’s Gospel Music to Finland
Valofestarit Gospel Festival brought together people from different churches and Christian traditions, including Lutheran, Pentecostal and Free Church congregations. The gathering also welcomed people beyond the church community, providing an opportunity for the Gospel to reach a wider audience through music and fellowship.
Three musical teams ministered during the event: Jipii Youth, a Finnish youth music movement; Eve and Ossi, a Finnish music group; and East African Gospel from Uganda.
Each team brought its own musical expression, creating an evening that celebrated gospel music while uniting people around the message of Jesus Christ.
East African Gospel Takes Centre Stage
East African Gospel had the honour of closing the festival during its final hour. The Ugandan ministry team shared its musical gifts and worship traditions with the Finnish audience, demonstrating how gospel music can connect people across cultures and national boundaries.
The performance began with Peter Kasaga leading the music. Evangelist Eric then shared a message from the Word of God before ushering the audience into an energetic session of praise. Alinda Anita also led a worship song, creating a reflective moment before the team returned to joyful praise.
As the team prepared to take the stage, the master of ceremonies offered words of encouragement: “It's now you, East African Gospel, to shine!” The affirmation encouraged the team as they prepared to minister before the gathered audience.
The event was also supported by a professional sound team that carefully prepared the technical setup and adjusted microphones to suit the individual performers.
Through music, the Word of God and worship, East African Gospel continued its mission of raising Christ-centred music ministers after God’s own heart and sharing the hope of Christ with communities beyond East Africa.
Churches United Through Worship
One of the highlights of Valofestarit was the participation of believers and congregations from different Christian traditions. Churches, leaders, musicians and volunteers worked together to make the festival possible, reflecting a shared commitment to Christian fellowship and the proclamation of the Gospel.
For East African Gospel, participating in the festival was an opportunity to represent Uganda, share East African worship with an international audience and build meaningful relationships with Christian communities in Finland.
The experience also demonstrated the value of music as a bridge between cultures. Although participants came from different backgrounds, they could gather around a shared faith and celebrate the message of Christ together.
Part of a Wider Finland Ministry Tour
Valofestarit Gospel Festival was one of several activities undertaken during East African Gospel’s Finland tour. The programme also included a cultural concert hosted by ViaDia Länsi-Uusimaa ry, church worship services, community fellowship and cultural visits.
These engagements provided opportunities for the visiting team to learn about Finnish culture, connect with local believers and share their ministry beyond the concert stage.
East African Gospel extends its gratitude to God, Pastor Timo Kulta, Mrs. Satu Kulta, ViaDia Länsi-Uusimaa ry, the Free Church of Vihti, the participating music teams and everyone who contributed to the festival and the wider ministry tour.
The experience strengthened the ministry’s commitment to using music to glorify Jesus, encourage believers and reach communities across East Africa and beyond.
East African Gospel — Raise. Equip. Send.
