Ugandan musician Sammy Kasule dies at 69

Kasule, whose career spanned more than five decades, was a renowned musician in East Africa and a former bandmember of Uganda’s long-serving group Afrigo.

The news was confirmed on his Ziwuuna Band's official Facebook page.

“It is with deep regret that we report the death of our bass guitarist Sammy Kasule,” the statement reads. “He was on his way [from Uganda] to Sweden for further treatment when at his stopover at Amsterdam, it was assessed that he couldn’t continue with the journey without emergency treatment. We were hoping he would be able to continue to Sweden, but this has not been. May his soul rest in peace.”

Condolences have been pouring in on social media following the musician’s death.

“You’ve been a blessing to me and my entire generation,” saxophonist Michael Kitanda wrote on Facebook. “The respect you had for the young musicians was immeasurable. The next generations shall carry on the knowledge and advice you shared. You were a true legend.”

Ugandan musician and official opposition leader Bobi Wine wrote: “The Ugandan music fraternity has lost yet another legend. Rest in peace, Sammy Kasule and thank you for the legacy you leave behind for the next generation. Great music, great inspiration.”

The artist's death comes less than two years after relocating to Uganda from Sweden, where he lived for almost 30 years. Kasule will be remembered by many for his fluency in playing the bass and songwriting skills, which cemented his position in the East African soukous and rumba music scene. 

Born Samuel Kasule, the guitarist entered the music scene as a member of the Kawumba band around 1969 before relocating to Kenya following the political unrest during the Idi Amin regime. Three years later, the musician joined Congolese outfit Orchestra Les Noirs, where he played until 1976, prior to joining the Special Liwanza band. In the following year, Kasule recorded and released his first single, ‘Mari Wandaka’, which received significant airplay in Kenya.

The musician then co-founded the Vundumuna band alongside Kenyan-Congolese guitarist Tabu Frantal and keyboardist Botango Bedjil. In 1983, he relocated to Sweden where he and several other African musicians co-founded two bands called Savanna and Makonde.

Kasule’s catalogue of hits includes songs such as ‘Ushirikiano’, ‘Kukupenda’, ‘Ndoto’, ‘Ekitobero’ and ‘Shauri Yako’, which all catapulted his career to greater heights. The guitarist has also shared the stage with renowned musicians such as the late Phillip Lutaaya, Manu Dibango and Euro-Caribbean vocal group Boney M.