Several celebrities were not able to complete this year, after succumbing to untimely deaths. Many have fallen as a result of health complications while others have been struck by unnatural causes. We remember those celebrities who passed on this year both local and international;
Carrie Fisher
She was an American actress, writer, producer and humorist. She was famously known for her role as Princess Leila in the Star Wars Film series. Fisher wrote several semi- autobiographical novels including Postcards from the Edge to the screen play of the book. She died at the age of 60 on December 27th 2016, four days after experiencing a medical emergency near the end of a transatlantic flight from London to Los Angeles.
Master Blaster
He came to the social scene in 2000 with his song Embooko. He died after succumbing to gun wounds that he had sustained after he was involved in a fight at Eden Service Park in Bwaise It was alleged that the deceased picked up a fight with some revellers who were believed to be South Sudan nationals and the scuffle led to firing of some bullets.
Mark Makumbi
He was a renowned a sports presenter on CBS radio and TV presenter, whose death left very many people in shock. Makumbi died on January 14, 2016 after being hospitalised for a long period.
Afrigo Band Director
Tamale Kapeera, who was the Afrigo Band Director and a former SC Villa technical chairman, died in November this year. Tamale had been sickly for a while and was undergoing medical attention in the USA, where he later passed on.
David Bowie
The English song writer, singer and actor died on January 10th, 2016. He was a figure in popular music for over five decades, regarded by critics and musicians as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s. His career was marked by reinvention and visual presentation. During his lifetime, his record sales, estimated at 140 million worldwide, made him one of the world’s best-selling music artistes. In the UK, he was awarded nine platinum album certifications, 11 gold and eight silver, releasing 11 number-one albums. In the US, he received five platinum and seven gold certifications.
Muhammad Ali
The American professional boxer and activist died at the age of 74 on June 3rd, 2016. He was widely regarded as one of the most significant and celebrated sports figures of the 20th century. From early in his career, Ali was known as an inspiring, controversial, and polarizing figure both inside and outside the ring. As a Muslim, Ali was initially affiliated with Elijah Muhammad’s Nation of Islam (NOI) and advocated their black separatist ideology. He later disavowed the NOI. After retiring from boxing in 1981, Ali devoted his life to religious and charitable work.
George Michael
He died on Christmas day 2016 at the age of 53. He was an English singer, songwriter, and record producer who rose to fame as a member of the music duo Wham. He was best known for his work in the 1980s and 1990s, including hit singles such as “Last Christmas” and “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”, and albums such as Faith (1987) and Listen Without Prejudice (1990). Michael sold more than 100 million records worldwide.
Prince
He died at the age of 57 on April 21, 2016 . He was a musical innovator who was known for his eclectic work, flamboyant stage presence, extravagant dress and makeup, and wide vocal range. He has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artistes of all time. He won seven Grammy Awards, an American Music Award, a Golden Globe Award, and an Academy Award for the film Purple Rain. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.