Music & the Spoken Word is a weekly religious radio and television program broadcast from the historic Salt Lake Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, Utah. Since its beginning in 1929, the program has shared messages of faith and hope through music performed by the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, frequently accompanied by the Salt Lake Tabernacle organ and the Orchestra at Temple Square.
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Download PhotoEach broadcast also includes a brief spiritual reflection known as the “spoken word,” offering thoughtful insight connected to the episode’s theme. Presented by Derrick Porter, executive producer and principal writer, these messages invite listeners and viewers to consider how gospel principles can be practiced in daily life.
A Journey Across Africa
A special Africa focused episode of Music & the Spoken Word will air on Sunday, 19 April 2026, at 9:30 a.m. (Mountain Time). Filmed in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria, the program takes audiences on a visual and spiritual journey across the African continent, introducing people, places, and expressions of faith that reflect a deeply rooted sense of community and belonging.
From lively city streets to quiet moments of worship and service, the episode weaves together encounters that reflect how faith, compassion, and shared responsibility shape daily life. Woven throughout these moments is a simple and powerful message: joy is found in loving and serving one another.
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| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
Ubuntu and the Language of Shared Humanity
In Southern Africa, viewers are introduced to the word Ubuntu, a term that expresses a deeply held belief about human connection.
“Ubuntu means ‘I am because we are.’”
Ubuntu captures the understanding that individual identity and purpose are shaped through relationships with others. It reflects a way of living that values kindness, generosity, and collective wellbeing reminding viewers that how people treat one another has spiritual significance and lasting impact.
Expressions of Unity Across the Continent
As the program moves across Africa, similar ideas surface in different regions and languages.
In East Africa, the words “Utu” and “Harambee” express humanity, compassion, and working together toward a common goal.
In Ghana, “Nkabom” emphasizes togetherness and mutual support.
In Nigeria, “Isokan” speaks of unity and being joined as one.
Though each word arises from a distinct culture, all convey the same enduring principle: individuals and communities are strengthened when they choose cooperation, service, and care for one another.
These values align closely with the teachings of Jesus Christ, who taught His followers to love one another. As individuals strive to love both God and their neighbors, joy begins to take deeper root, becoming a sustaining spiritual blessing rather than a momentary feeling.
Music as a Living Expression of Joy
Throughout Africa, music plays a central role in expressing joy and unity. When a choir sings, every voice contributes, creating harmony that reflects cooperation and shared purpose. The music becomes a living expression of community.
This same spirit is reflected in the music of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, which forms the foundation of Music & the Spoken Word. Through unified voices and shared faith, the Choir continues to communicate messages of hope, peace, and joy to audiences around the world.
Airing live on April 19, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. (MT), Music & the Spoken Word: The Joy We Share invites listeners and viewers to reflect on how love, service, and unity bring lasting joy and strengthen communities across Africa and throughout the world.