Michael Benjamin Owor, widely known to fans and colleagues as DJ Bush Baby, will be laid to rest this Sunday in his ancestral home of Tororo, family members confirmed.
The influential deejay, who helped shape East Africa’s modern music scene in the early 2000s, was found dead on Thursday, June 5, at a family residence in Bugonga, Entebbe Municipality. He was 50.
News of his passing sent ripples through Uganda’s entertainment circles, with tributes pouring in from fellow artists and fans who considered him a cultural mainstay.
Initial reports suggested he may have died in his studio. But according to relatives, DJ Bush Baby was found in his bedroom, after having gone missing for two days. His wife reportedly raised the alarm when he stopped answering calls.
A Memorial Mass will be held Friday at 1:30 p.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church in Nsasa. A second service is scheduled for Saturday in Tororo, ahead of his burial on Sunday, June 8.
Artists across the region took to social media to honor him. Bebe Cool, a longtime collaborator and friend, mourned him in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter).
“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 artists 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.”
Owor’s legacy spans decades—from shaping playlists that brought regional music to the mainstream, to mentoring a new generation of deejays and performers. In Uganda and beyond, DJ Bush Baby wasn’t just a voice on the airwaves—he was a bridge between cultures and sounds.
He is survived by his wife and children.
