Legendary Afrigo guitarist Sammy Kasule passes on

One of Uganda’s best bass guitarists Sammy Kasule has died at the age of 69.

His death has been confirmed by his family and Afrigo Band.

Famously known for his melodious songs like ‘Ekitobero’, Kasule passed away on Tuesday evening in Amsterdam, Nerthelands.

According to a statement published by Afrigo Band, Sammy had been on his way to Sweden for further treatment when at his stop over at Amsterdam it was assessed that he couldn’t continue with the journey without treatment.

“It is with deep regret to report the death of our bass guitarist Mr Sammy Kasule,” said Afrigo Band in a statement today.

A number of celebrities have taken to social media to eulogize the death of the former Afrigo band bassist.

Allan Kasujja wrote; “Vundumuna. 80s Kenya band. Sammy Kasule was their lead guy. We watched them on VoK TV. A lot of the lyrics were in Luganda. We were refugees trying to learn our mother tongue. Sammy’s music helped. Rest in Peace Sammy”

Bobi Wine described the late as a great inspiration to Uganda’s music industry.

“The Ugandan music fraternity has lost yet another legend. Rest in peace Sammy Kasule, thank you for the legacy you leave behind for the next generation. Great music, great inspiration,” he said

A brief look at Sammy’s music career

Sammy started his music career in 1960 at Kawumba band after abandoning school at Light College Katikamu. The band used to play at New Life bar in Mengo.

The bassist later relocated to Kenya following political unrest during President Amin’s regime there joining Les Niors, a Congolese band in 1973. In Kenya, he recorded songs like Maria Wandika, Shauri Yako which instantly became hits.

The gifted composer later started his own band Vundumuna which later evolved into Makonde band where he was joined by Philly Bongoley Lutaya(deceased) in 1979. The pair later relocated to Sweden in 1983 where they were joined by other Ugandan musicians including Frank Mbalire, Hope Mukasa, Joseph Nsubuga, Richard Mudungu, Fred Ssemwogerere and Shem Makanga to form a group called Savanna. This group was behind the making of Bongoley’s iconic ‘Born in Africa’ album.

For the years that followed, Sammy moved to Japan joining Jambo Jambo band before returning to Sweden to reform Makonde band where he recorded hit songs like Njabala, Ziwuuna.