The casket containing the remains of Mowzey Radio being carried to the burial grounds. PHOTOS BY MICHEAL KAKUMIRIZI
News of his death hit Uganda with a big blow that we had had never felt in the music industry. Not even Elly Wamala’s death came close to this. Despite his character flaws and imperfections, Mowzey Radio was a darling who had sung his way into many a Ugandan’s heart.
Although his demise had been widely covered by both local and foreign press, for many, the fact that we shall not be seeing Radio’s smiley face or listen to his rich mellow voice sing nurse us out of heartbreaks and make us fall in love, only sunk in when the casket containing his remains was brought to his final resting place at his mother’s home, in Kagga, Nakawuka a little off Entebbe road.
Lillian Mbabazi with her two children that she produced with Mowzey Radio.
Real names Moses Ssekibogo, Mowzey Radio of the Goodlyfe Crew was buried on Saturday with hundreds of mourners turning up to pay their last respects. His body arrived at the burial grounds at about 10am amid tears and wails from mourners. Some were seen covering their eyes perhaps to conceal the tears that ran down their cheeks.
Soon speeches were made by different people about the late. Some of the speakers included singer Jose Chameleon who called on artistes to protect themselves, Pallaso, Weasel, Kenyan musician/Member of Parliament Charles Njagua aka Jaguar.
Radio’s mother, Jane Kasubo, being supported at the burial.
For the first time since Radio’s death Lillian Mbabazi, a singer and also mother to two of Mowzey’s children, spoke in public about Radio.
“We have lost a friend, a father. Moses, the hole you have left in our hearts and our lives will never be filled by any one,” Lillian Mbabazi said as tears welled up in the eyes of some people.
Although burial had initially been slated for 4pm Radio’s body was lowered into the grave at about 3pm.
However, soon after the body had been lowered, chaos ensued with people, especially on the musicians’ side at the grave exchanging fists.
The mourners who had gathered at the grave dispersed in different directions with some getting trampled on in the stampede. Others fainted as they ran for their dear lives.
Just when everyone thought it had settled, more chaos erupted resulting into some police officers getting injured.
It is alleged that the chaos started when some of the mourners tried to grab the money that was being thrown into his grave.
Radio died at Case Hospital in Kampala where he had been admitted after reportedly being beaten into coma at De Bar, a local hang-out spot in Entebbe town last week.