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DJ Bush Baby spins final discs
Deceased: Michael Benjamin Owor, commonly known as DJ Bush Baby
What you need to know:
- Michael Benjamin Owor commonly known as DJ Bush Baby was found dead in his studio on the morning of June 5.
Death comes to us all, but for DJ Bush Baby, the tell-tale signs were surreal. He oddly predicted some of his last acts. Bush Baby foretold that his jig with his baby sister, Cherry, would be his last dance. On June 2, tweeted: “It's the little things that make life big for me. True happiness is elusive.
Recently, I shared a joyful moment with my lovely last born baby sister, CHERRY. Indescribable JOY! Still feels like my last dance.” The tweet came after a video clip captured Bush Baby dancing with his baby sister Cherry, curiously foretelling this would be his last dance. It is said Michael Benjamin Owor, commonly known as DJ Bush Baby, was found dead in his studio on the morning of June 5, after he went missing two days before.
The cause of death is still unknown, but his contribution to Uganda’s entertainment scene is something that will last forever. His untimely passing follows a health scare he faced during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2021 when he suffered an accident while washing his car.
Bush Baby fractured a hip, ruptured his urethra, and injured his bladder in the process. He was rushed to International Hospital Kampala (IHK) for first aid, and after an X-ray, it was established he had, indeed, fractured his hip but was told not to worry. He was then given pain killers and sent back home.
The incident that nearly cost him his life attracted a public appeal that raised more than Shs15 million for his life-saving surgery. But for one who had been in the industry for 20 years with a brand such as Bush Baby, one would have thought Shs15 million was an easy sum to come by. However, for the veteran media practitioner, the situation was worsened by the Covid-19 lockdown.
“I’m a private person, and I’ve never asked anyone for money, but this situation overwhelmed me. I’ve been stressed with bank loans and money lenders, but I’m glad everyone understands my situation,” said the former East African radio and TV presenter in an interview back then with this reporter.
The hospital bills, especially at IHK, forced Bush Baby to opt for Mulago, but still things turned out tough. “I’ve struggled single-handedly for about a month, but as you know, the current economy, the situation has not been going smoothly,” he lamented.
Bush Baby then reached out to colleagues who contributed what they could to rescue him until he couldn’t ask anymore. It is for this reason that he made a public outcry.
“I am humbled with whatever they [public] have contributed so far towards the operation. As soon as I raise the money, I will go for it. I’m thankful that I’m still alive, but I couldn’t keep this to myself even though I’m a very private person. I don’t want to bother people, but the support has been overwhelming,” he wrote.
Bush Baby later underwent a successful operation at URO Care Hospital and bounced back into the entertainment circles months after recovery.
Who was Bush Baby?
Born in 1975, Bush Baby attended St Tereza Primary School in Entebbe. He then joined Manjasi High School but was expelled just after one term for mistaken identity. He then joined St Peter's SS Nsambya in Kampala, where he undertook O-Level studies before joining Gombe SS and City High School, where he completed A-Level.
Bush Baby graduated with a Diploma in Mass Communication from Uganda Management Institute (UMI) and did his internship at Radio One before joining Radio Uganda and later moving to Mwanza, where he pioneered Kiss FM in 1998, making it the first English broadcasting radio station in Tanzania. In 2000, Bush Baby joined East Africa Radio but was shortly deported to Uganda.
He made his way back to Radio One before returning to Tanzania and becoming one of the first presenters on East Africa TV, doing the UG Central programme that promoted Ugandan music and East Africa’s top 20 songs every week, among other shows. Bush Baby was also the proprietor of the UTAKE night at Steak Out.
After his stint in Tanzania, he returned to Uganda and joined Sanyu FM and later X FM in 2011 as manager until 2018. He was also the head of Urban TV, then moved to NXT Media as head of the creative department in addition to hosting a countdown show every Saturday on NXT radio. Bush Baby was also a consultant at STV, and by the time of his demise, he had been hosting the East African Meat Carnival with UTARKE music at Najjera.
Artistes & celebrities react
Bebe Cool. What a sad day. You inspired many with your work. Your star shone brightest in the 2000s during your stint at EATV and radio. Many East African artistes are who they are because of you. Your sudden death is a big shock. But we are comforted by the fact that your legacy is solid. Rest in Peace, brother.
Kasuku. Rest in Peace, DJ Bush Baby. Your time at EA radio and TV made my teenage years good.
Lyrical G. If it weren’t for you, I’d probably just be another kid with a microphone in his mouth. You are the reason I earned my stripes.” Lyrical G.
Mun G. Such a grounded soul, always had a smile on you. May your soul rest peacefully, DJ Bush Baby A-Pass. It’s really sad to see a legendary man Like DJ Bush Baby leaving, but God knows why @djbushbaby to me was a great man with an amazing personality. Your kindness will not be forgotten, my brother.
BigTril. Rest in Peace, Bush Baby. Thank you for sharing your gift with us
Douglas Lwanga. He posted three days ago, and he’s gone, this thing called life. Rest in power, DJ Bush Baby. The creative fraternity will miss your brain. RIP Beewol. For an entire generation of East Africans, the lesson of introduction to E. A music was delivered by Bush Baby. He was our teacher, mentor, and hero. His love for and appreciation of East African Music was second to none. The region has lost a legend.
Calvin the Entertainer. Rest easy, Bush Baby. Your contributions to the entertainment industry shaped countless careers across East Africa. Until we meet again.
DJ Association of Uganda. With deep sorrow, the DJ Association of Uganda announces the passing of DJ Bush Baby, a pioneer, mentor, and voice that shaped Uganda’s music and radio scene. His impact on the DJ community will never be forgotten.
Fik Fameica.Rest In Peace DJ Bush
