WIDU 1600AM is a locally owned, community radio station. Owners Wes and Sandra Cookman have been the people and the passion behind the airwaves. Providing AM radio programming for Cumberland County, WIDU is “your station for inspiration and information,” with seven days of live shows, podcasts, and a generous mix of inspirational and gospel music. Listeners can tap in for their morning motivation daily from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. For the latest on community events and initiatives, the Wakeup 9 a.m. segment features community voices like pastors, law enforcement, and organizational leaders. Saturday and Sunday are dedicated to giving local churches a broader voice and platform to spread love and Christian education. After a five-year hiatus, mainly due to COVID-19, WIDU is finally bringing back its grand 2-day anniversary celebration at the Crown Expo Center and the Crown Coliseum.
Festivities kick-off on Thursday, Oct. 24 at noon with the Women’s Empowerment Luncheon at the Crown Expo Center, 1960 Coliseum Drive. This event is aimed at bringing area women together to encourage and empower each other. Headlining this year’s event is Memphis Gospel artist Jekayln Carr. Tickets are $49 and can be purchased at https://bit.ly/4ePFvjG
The first day of celebration ends at Kingdom Impact Global Ministries (2503 Murchison Rd) with the talent show to rival all talent shows, Carolina BEST. Starting at 6:30 p.m., this talent competition brings out the best and most promising artists in the area. This year’s competition will feature 16 contestants competing in 5 categories (Solo, Youth, Quartet, and Choir/Ensemble).
They will all be vying for the coveted title of Carolina BEST, an award that crowns the best of the best among the contestants. The winner of this year’s competition will receive $1000 and the opportunity to open ceremonies on Friday. Judging this year’s competition are Award-winning Gospel singer Kim Burrell, Le’andria Johnson, third season winner of BET’s Sunday’s Best, and last year’s Carolina BEST winner and “No Ordinary Worship” artist, Kelontae Gavin.
Gavin will perform a mini-concert before the winners are announced. Tickets are $20-$50 and can be purchased online at https://bit.ly/3NxHw8i
WIDU is a point of inspiration for the community, so it’s only fitting that anniversary festivities include prayer and fellowship over a meal. The WIDU Prayer Breakfast starts at 9 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 25 at the Crown Expo Center. Gospel singer Kim Burrell will perform and prolific Atlanta Pastor Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant will deliver the message for the morning. Tickets are $49 and can be purchased online at https://bit.ly/4faQHam.
Ending the festivities on Friday at 6 p.m. will be the WIDU Anniversary Celebration, the area’s premier gospel concert. Coming back after a five-year hiatus, this year’s lineup is packed with big names.
“Get ready to be enthralled by a diverse lineup of artists at the WIDU Anniversary. We will hear the soulful Pastor John P. Kee & the New Life Community Choir, the powerful Le'Andria Johnson, the talented Pastor Tim Rogers, the spirited Doc McKenzie & The Hi-Lites, Fayetteville's own McDonald Sisters, and The Mickens. This year we have something for everyone. Join us as we celebrate 66 years of community radio on WIDU.”
Tickets can be purchased at https://bit.ly/4dUA3L4.

(Photo: Performers at the 2016 WIDU Anniversary event sing for the crowd at the Crown Arena.)