When did DJ Bush Baby die?
Michael Benjamin Owor, better known to fans and colleagues as DJ Bush Baby, has been found dead in his private studio in Entebbe, ending a decades-long career that helped shape the landscape of East African radio and music television.
The 50-year-old media icon had been reported missing by his family after he went silent on Tuesday, June 3. Concerned by his uncharacteristic absence, relatives launched a search that culminated in the forced entry into his Entebbe studio today—where they made the grim discovery.
Authorities have yet to disclose the cause of death. A postmortem examination is expected to be conducted to establish the circumstances surrounding his passing.
When was DJ Bush Baby born?
DJ Bush Baby, born in 1975, was widely respected not just for his pioneering work in broadcasting but also for his unwavering commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting East African music across the region.
He began his career in the late 1990s with Radio Uganda’s Green Channel, the predecessor to today’s Magic FM. From there, his influence spread far beyond Uganda’s borders. In Tanzania, he played a critical role in launching Kiss FM and later helped shape programming at East African Radio and East African Television (Channel 5), particularly through his popular show Uganda Central, which spotlighted Ugandan music and culture.
Upon returning to Uganda, DJ Bush Baby held key positions at major media houses including Sanyu FM, XFM, Urban TV, and NXT Radio. His creative vision eventually led him to head the creative department at NXT Media, where he continued to influence the direction of regional broadcasting.
In 2021, a serious accident left him with a fractured pelvic bone and internal injuries. The public appeal for financial support during his recovery revealed not only the fragility of even the most iconic public figures but also the outpouring of love and respect he commanded from fans and fellow professionals alike.
In recent years, DJ Bush Baby shifted his focus toward mentorship, dedicating time to training aspiring DJs and broadcasters. In 2024, he signed with XRadio in Dar es Salaam while continuing to host a popular weekly online show every Thursday from Kampala, where he shared his vast knowledge of African music and regional culture.
His sudden death marks a profound loss to Uganda’s entertainment and media industry, where his influence will be felt for generations.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
