Uganda’s entertainment industry is mourning veteran musician David Sifayo, popularly known as Master Parrot, who died Monday evening after a hit-and-run accident along the Northern Bypass in Masanafu.
Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire said the accident happened around 7:30pm when Master Parrot was allegedly knocked by a yet-to-be-identified vehicle while walking along the road. Police rushed him to Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
‘The driver fled to an unknown destination after the accident. We have not yet obtained details of the vehicle involved, but investigations are ongoing and we are reviewing CCTV footage to identify both the car and driver,’ Owoyesigyire said.
News of the singer’s death sent shockwaves through the music fraternity. Fellow artists and long-time friends paid tribute to one of the pioneers of Uganda’s urban music movement.
‘Just got the terrible news that we’ve lost our brother Master Parrot. Old funny conversations and careless hearty laughter are the painful memories you leave with us, my friend. Until we meet again,’ former Firebase Crew colleague and opposition leader Bobi Wine posted on social media.
Uganda National Musicians Federation president Eddy Kenzo also mourned him, writing, ‘Sad news. Rest in peace, my brother Master Parrot.’
Family members said they were unaware of the tragedy until they received a phone call. ‘It was around 8pm when I received a call that my brother had passed on, but I couldn’t believe it,’ his elder sister Lydia said. ‘My husband called his phone, and it was the police who answered. They informed us that his body was being transported to Mulago Hospital.’
From Mulago, his body was taken to his residence in Wabiduku-Balintuma Zone, Kiwatule, where he lived with his mother. It was later moved to the National Theatre for public viewing before burial on Wednesday in Kamengo, Butembe Sirinya B, along the Mpigi-Masaka Road.
Master Parrot was one of the founding members of the original Firebase Crew, alongside Bobi Wine, Sizzaman, Jajja Nana, Butcherman and Toolman Kibalama. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, he established himself as one of Uganda’s most recognisable dancehall and reggae artists.
His catalogue spans more than 30 songs, including hits like Muliro, Mama Wabana, Oliwa, Kikili Kitya, Ekikompola, Nankya, Mwana Muwala and Kawal, a collaboration with Jose Chameleone.
In recent years the singer largely disappeared from the spotlight as he reportedly battled personal challenges. Earlier this year, videos showing him in a distressed state circulated online, sparking concern among fans and fellow musicians. Reports suggested he had been struggling with alcohol addiction and related mental health issues.
His mother, Josephine Nakayiza, publicly appealed for support to help him access rehabilitation. Fellow musician Qute Kaye, who has spoken openly about overcoming addiction, was among those who called for intervention and treatment.