Veteran Kadongo Kamu singer Gerald Kiweewa has defended his decision to perform during his late wife’s mourning vigil after his actions attracted criticism from some members of the public.
Kiweewa said those questioning his choice do not understand the relationship he shared with his wife or the important role music played throughout their lives.
The Ugandan musician explained that his decision was shaped by a lifetime of being connected to music, including the shared passion he had with his late wife, who was also a musician. Kiweewa revealed that music was part of his relationship with his wife even before they got married.
According to the Kadongo Kamu singer, the two used to sing together before becoming husband and wife, although they never got the opportunity to record and release songs together.
He explained that after stepping away from making music with her, he later welcomed her into his home and she became his wife.
Kiweewa said critics of his performance during the mourning vigil were judging the situation without understanding the personal connection he and his wife had with music.
“Those people don’t understand. I’m a musician, and my wife was also a musician. From the very beginning, we used to sing together. Unfortunately, we never got the chance to record and release songs together. Later, I stepped away from making music with her, brought her into my home, and she became my wife.”
The remarks come amid wider conversations around how musicians handle personal grief while remaining connected to their art.
For many Ugandan musicians, music is not only a profession but also a way of expressing emotions, memories and personal experiences.
Kiweewa said performing during moments of grief is not a new experience for him. He recalled an incident from September 1, 2000, when he received news of his mother’s death while preparing to perform.
According to Kiweewa, musician Willy Mukaabya was the first person to receive the news and quietly informed him before he went on stage. Despite the painful news, Kiweewa said he continued with his performance before later informing the audience about his loss.
“When my mother passed away on September 1, 2000, Willy Mukaabya was the first person to receive the news. As I was about to perform, he quietly informed me that my mother had died.”
Kiweewa said he performed three songs before telling the audience about his mother’s passing.
“After the third song, I told the audience about my mother’s passing. I then performed one final song before leaving, and everyone was left in shock.”
He added that music remains part of his identity even during some of the most difficult moments in his life.
“Even if I lost my father today, I would still sing.”
Gerald Kiweewa is recognised as a veteran Kadongo Kamu musician, a genre of Ugandan traditional music known for storytelling and acoustic guitar-based performances.
Kadongo Kamu music has historically been used by artists to share personal experiences, social messages and reflections on everyday life.
Kiweewa’s explanation places his recent performance within his broader relationship with music, rather than viewing it only as an entertainment moment during mourning.
The identity of Kiweewa’s late wife, the location and date of the mourning vigil, and details about her own music career have not been confirmed.
It is also not confirmed whether Kiweewa and his wife had any previously released recordings together. The discussion surrounding Gerald Kiweewa’s performance highlights the different ways people respond to loss.
While some members of the public questioned his decision to entertain mourners during a mourning period, Kiweewa maintains that music has always been part of how he experiences and responds to life’s major moments.
The story also reflects the unique position of Ugandan musicians, whose professional identities are often closely connected to their personal journeys.
For Kadongo Kamu singers and other Ugandan music legends, performances often carry personal stories, cultural memories and emotional expressions beyond the stage.
Kiweewa has not announced any new music projects or upcoming performances connected to this matter. For now, the singer’s focus remains on explaining his perspective and defending the role music has played throughout his personal experiences.
Gerald Kiweewa’s response reinforces his belief that music is not something separate from moments of sadness or loss, but a part of the journey through them.
