AK-47 performs at a function in Kampala shortly before his death. File photo
His future was definitely going to be bright as he was tipped to be the next big artist from the Mayanja family since he was the youngest with Weasel, Pallaso and Chameleon as his elder brothers but it was so unfortunate that he passed on just when his career was starting to skyrocket.
AK47 real names Emmanuel Mayanja died on this day last year aged only 26 years old after it was alleged that he slipped and hit his head on the toilet tiles at Dejavu Bar and Lounge in Kansanga. He breathed his last after reaching Nsambya hospital.
Surprisingly before he died that evening, AK47 had posted on his Facebook wall that “You either ride with us, or collide with us!” and one of his fans called James Kizzy replied that “But the collision might kill you. so u better tighten your seat belt” not knowing that a few hours later, the artiste would be gone.
A year now, mystery still surrounds his death although a preliminary post-mortem report by the police medical officer at Mulago stated that he suffered blunt trauma to his head.
We talked to some of the late’s ardent fans such as Shamim Siraji who still misses the artiste. “It’s like he has just died. I cry every time his songs are played. He was my best artiste and a good friend. I still miss him so much,” she said.
Joel Lubega another fan said the artiste’s legacy still lives on. “AK is one of the young musicians that had a good character, he was down to earth and one who hated wrangles but only believed in making peace with everyone around him. His legacy still lives on and he will always stay in our lives.”
The musician is survived by three children with the last bunch being twins and by the time of his death, he had already become saved with “Ndimulokole’ as his last track.
Some of his most prominent songs include ‘Champion’,“Gal a bubble’, ‘Tukikolemu’, ‘Action packed’, AK, Ebaluwa and Kidandali among others.
Until now, AK47 is believed to be among the best dancehall musicians to have graced the music industry. May his soul rest in eternal peace.