Shaka Ssali
Shaka Ssali | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Shaka Ssali, host of Straight Talk Africa | |
| Born | Turyagyenda Bernard April 9, 1953 |
| Died | March 27, 2025 (aged 71) Virginia, U.S. |
| Nationality | Ugandan-American |
| Other names | Kabale Kid |
| Education | University of California, Los Angeles (BA, MA, PhD in Cross-Cultural Communications) |
| Alma mater | Kigezi College Butobere
Kigezi Junior Secondary School Kikungiri Primary School |
| Occupation(s) | Journalist, Broadcaster, Media Personality |
| Years active | 1980s–2021 |
| Employer | Voice of America (VOA) |
| Known for | Host of Straight Talk Africa |
| Notable work | Straight Talk Africa |
| Parents |
|
| Awards | UN Peacekeeping Special Achievement Award, Ford Foundation Fellow, UNAA Lifetime Achievement Award |
Shaka Ssali (April 9, 1953 – March 27, 2025), also known as "Kabale Kid", was a Ugandan-born American journalist renowned for his role as the host of Voice of America's (VOA) "Straight Talk Africa," a program he led for over two decades.[1] His work significantly influenced African journalism, fostering critical discussions on democracy, governance, and development across the continent.[1][2][3][4][5][6]
Early life and education
[edit]Ssali was born in Kabale District in Western Uganda. He went to Kikungiri Primary School for his primary then Kigezi High School for his junior secondary education and then joined Kigezi College Butobere in 1965 for his senior secondary education where he particularly excelled in Sports like Soccer in which he was a striker, was also 400 meters hurdles, Triple Jump, and 400 meters relay athlete.[4][7] His academic journey faced interruptions which led him to drop out of secondary school in the 1960s.[4][7] During his youth, he enlisted to join the Uganda Army as a paratrooper.[1]
In 1976, Ssali moved to the United States looking for safety from Idi Amin’s oppressive regime.[4] While in the United States, he engaged in advanced studies and obtained a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree in Cross-Cultural Communications from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).[1][4][5][6]
Career
[edit]He co-hosted a show called "Africa World Tonight" at VOA and this was the kicker for his career. Then, in 2000, he became the inaugural host of the "Straight Talk Africa" show.[5][6] At this show, he hosted African leaders, analysts, and citizens in dialogues about pressing continental issues in Africa as a continent.[8][9] His opening line "I'm profoundly honored and exceedingly humbled," became a hallmark of the program.[1][3][4]
Awards and recognition
[edit]In September 2024, the Ugandan North American Association (UNAA) honored Ssali with a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his contributions to media in Africa.[10][4] During his acceptance speech, he dedicated the award to the people of Kabale and acknowledged the support of his family, friends, and critics.
Ssali was also a former Ford Foundation fellow and received numerous honors, including a United Nations Peacekeeping Special Achievement Award in International Journalism. His accolades reflect his commitment to truth, accountability, and empowering Africa's youth.[1]
Retirement and death
[edit]After his retirement from VOA in May 2021, he continued to serve as an inspiration through public speaking and mentorship.[1][11] He died on March 27, 2025, at the age of 71 and his passing signified the conclusion of a period in African journalism, with a legacy of courageous and perceptive reporting behind.[1][2][3][12]
Legacy
[edit]Shaka Ssali's impact reached beyond the realm of journalism; he served as a mentor for numerous budding journalists and connected African leaders with the general public. His devotion to promoting open conversation and his steadfast dedication to press freedom have made a lasting impact on the media environment in Africa and elsewhere.[4] Alain Foka, his colleague who worked for RFI, is also considered the greatest journalist in French-speaking African countries.[13]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h "Veteran journalist Shaka Ssali is dead". Monitor. March 27, 2025. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
- ^ a b Reporter, NELSON MANDELA | PML Daily (March 27, 2025). "Legendary Journalist Shaka Ssali Passes On - PML Daily". Retrieved March 27, 2025.
- ^ a b c "Shaka Ssali, VOA's iconic host, dies | Pulse Uganda". www.pulse.ug. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Biography: Who Was Shaka Ssali? | Pulse Uganda". www.pulse.ug. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
- ^ a b c independent, The (May 25, 2021). "Straight talker Shaka". The Independent Uganda. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
- ^ a b c "Ugandans in Diaspora honour journalist Shaka Ssali". Monitor. October 5, 2021. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
- ^ a b Kisakye, Frank (June 2, 2021). "Salute to Shaka Ssali, the Kabale kid's 29 years at Voice of America". The Observer. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
- ^ "Shaka Ssali breaks silence on role in presidential debate". Monitor. April 19, 2024. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
- ^ "Veteran journalist Shaka Ssali has died". The Citizen. March 27, 2025. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
- ^ Ugandan diaspora organization honors former VOA journalist Shaka Ssali. September 3, 2024. Retrieved March 27, 2025 – via www.voaafrica.com.
- ^ Admin, Exclusive (March 27, 2025). "Former Stright Talk Africa host Shaka Ssali dead". Exclusive Bizz. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
- ^ "Veteran journalist Shaka Ssali has died". NTV Uganda. March 27, 2025. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
- ^ "Alain Foka quitte RFI mais ne se rend pas". Jeune Afrique. October 18, 2023. Retrieved March 28, 2025.
External links
[edit]- Shaka Ssali at IMDb