Former Amarula Family Star Comedian Messe dead

Messe was a well-known figure in the comedy scene, gaining recognition in the early 2000s as part of Amarula Family alongside Allan Mujuni alias Amooti Omubalanguzi.

Renowned media personality and comedian Nicholas Mpirwe, popularly known as Messe Bontwe, has died.

Messe, a former member of the comedy group Amarula Family, was pronounced dead on Thursday.

His passing was confirmed on the same day, with reports indicating that he died in Phoenix, Arizona in the United States.

The cause of his death has not yet been disclosed.

Messe was a well-known figure in the comedy scene, gaining recognition in the early 2000s as part of Amarula Family alongside Allan Mujuni, alias Amooti Omubalanguzi, Paddy 'Bitama' Ssali, and Daniel Kanyerezi, aka Irish Kyebandula.

He retired from comedy in 2021, stating that he felt he was too old for the art.

In addition to his work in comedy, he served as a radio presenter at Dembe FM. He also worked at Super FM owned by Peter Ssematimba. Super FM was the last radio station Messe worked for in Uganda.

Messe became well-known in the comedy scene during his time on the comedy skit "Side Mirror," which used to air on WBS Television in the early 2000s.

Side Mirror was a satirical take on events in Uganda, addressing real-life issues with humor.

The skit gained immense popularity in the country and was one of the most watched programmes on local television with the group staging live comedy shows as well.

However, after the passing of Paddy Ssali, also known as Bitama, the show's popularity began to decline.

The situation worsened when Irish Kyebandula, who used to imitate legendary broadcaster and anchor Bbaale Francis, left the show, expressing his frustration at being perceived as a joke when he could pursue more serious opportunities.

The show's ratings further declined when it stopped airing on WBS.

Nonetheless, the show is notable for giving rise to a new generation of comedic talent, including Messe and Amooti.

After quitting comedy and radio, Messe relocated to the US.