By BigEyeUg Team
DJ Bush Baby, born Michael Benjamin Owor in 1975 at Entebbe Grade A Hospital, was a celebrated media personality whose influence reshaped the media landscape in East Africa.
Known for his creativity and bold decisions, he played a key role in promoting East African music and building some of the region’s most respected radio and TV platforms.
Early Life and Education
Bush Baby grew up in Entebbe, moving through about 15 different homes after the passing of his mother.
His father worked at the government printing press before political unrest disrupted their family life.
He briefly attended Manjari Secondary School and later pursued journalism at a local media institute.
Career Beginnings
DJ Bush Baby began his media journey in the late 1990s while still in school, working at Radio Uganda’s Green Channel (now Magic FM).
A pivotal moment came when a friend from Tanzania encouraged him to send a demo to a Tanzanian station.
Impressed by his work, the station invited him to join them—not as a presenter, as he expected, but to handle programming for the entire station.
Realizing there was a gap for English-language radio in Tanzania, Bush Baby contacted 18 friends from Uganda to help establish Kiss FM, Tanzania’s first English radio station, which remains a major player to this day.
East African Radio & Television
In 2002, DJ Bush Baby joined East African Radio, where his breakthrough as a media powerhouse truly began.
He soon became the station manager and helped launch East African Television.
These platforms were instrumental in promoting regional music, especially at a time when many Ugandan media houses were reluctant to embrace local talent.
Under his leadership, artists like Bebe Cool, Peter Miles, and Ziggy Dee gained regional recognition. DJ Bush Baby hosted weekly top-20 countdowns and used his platform to elevate East African music to new heights.
Challenges and Continued Success
Despite his growing fame, his career faced some turbulence. At one point, he was deported from Tanzania, only to return to the airwaves shortly after.
He later returned to Uganda and rejoined Sanyu FM, before managing X FM from 2011 to 2018.
In 2018, he joined NXT Media as Head of the Creative Department and also hosted a Saturday countdown show on NXT Radio.
Although there were rumors in 2020 that he would join STV, disagreements led him to instead return to X FM.
Personal Reflections and Regrets
Bush Baby admits that during his time at East African Radio, he made financial mistakes, largely due to the lack of mentorship that many in his generation faced.
He now encourages young media professionals to seek guidance and use their platforms wisely.
Family Life
DJ Bush Baby is married and has children. He met his wife on one of his final flights into Entebbe, a moment he cherishes.
DJ Bush Baby’s name will live to be respected figure in the Ugandan media scene, known not just for his past achievements but for his lasting impact on the region’s broadcasting industry.
DJ Bush Baby’s story is one of innovation, passion, and resilience.
His legacy will continues to inspire a new generation of media personalities in East Africa.
Rest in Peace DJ Bush Baby!
