Born on January 8, 1963 to Emmanuel and Mary Frances Musoke Ndawula, Alex Ndawula alias Alex Ndaula was the voice of modern radio in the mid 90’s and early 2000’s. Having ruled the airwaves for over two decades, Alex retired from Capital FM in 2017.
The veteran radio personality passed on two days ago at Nsambya Hospital aged 59.
Remembered for his husky American accent and open mindedness, Alex kicked off his radio career with Sanyu FM in 1993 before moving to Capital FM in 1994 where he worked for twenty three years.
He co-hosted the morning show with Christine Mawadri, that is arguably one of the biggest breakfast shows to have graced Ugandan Radio.
Former workmates and the public have come out on social media and piled lots of praises on Dj Alex Ndaula.
Jackie Lumbasi, one of the people that worked with Alex Ndaula on the Capital FM morning show, said that for all the years they worked together, Alex always showed up; no matter the shape or form he was in.
“Alex was very passionate about his work, and he really worked so hard. I remember him literally being forced to take leave; he never realized that his body badly needed a rest, he just wanted it to keep going. For all the years we worked together, he always showed up, no matter which shape or form he was in; and he always gave it his all. He inspired many to heed to the call and serve,” said Lumbasi.
Lumbasi also highlighted Alex’s extreme love and understanding of music and how he always went an extra mile to keep up to date with trends when it came to music.
“His knowledge of radio, music, artistes etc, was simply mind blowing. He always kept himself up-to-date with trends and technological advancements,” Lumbasi added.
Another former workmate Allan Kasujja, who now works for BBC described Alex as ‘certainly the realest!’
“Probably the greatest, certainly the realest, an icon, a legend, a trailblazer! ONE of ONE!! I celebrate you Alex! Now and always! Thank you for the music. For the inspiration. Rest easy man! I know the music will play on wherever you are!” tweeted Kasujja.
Another former colleague of Alex, Gaetano Kaggwa claimed that they will never be another Alex Ndaula.
“The original legend of the radio waves has gone to be with the Lord. Alex Ndaula there will never be anyone in Uganda to fill your shoes. I miss you greatly. Rest in Peace brother,”
While media personality Lucky Mbabazi said that Alex was a loving and loyal person.
“Alex was a loving man, he was very real. Expressed what he felt when he felt it and very loyal. He loved to give, even when he got his salary he would give it out,” he said.
The speaker of Parliament RT. Hon. Anita Annet Among
“Thank you for the memories, Alex Ndaula the true King of radio, my sympathies go to your family, the media fraternity and those you touched through your Golden voice. May our soul find eternal rest,” Rt.Hon Among posted.
Before retiring from Capital Fm, Alex had worked on almost all the shows of the station. From the Morning Show, Evening Drive to the Dance Force.
However it’s the Morning show and the Dance Force show that won Alex so many hearts and fans that keep emphasizing the fact that ‘he redefined Ugandan Radio.
According to the Capital FM website, the 59-old Alex died of a brain haemorrhage after his blood pressure shot up.
Who is Alex Ndawula?
Alex went to Nakasero Primary School then to St Mary’s Nairobi because he was asthmatic and could not manage dusty Uganda. He later joined St. Mary’s College Kisubi but left because he was not performing as well as he used to.
He went back to St. Mary’s Nairobi, then to Namasagali. He also attended Caltec Academy. He repeated A Level at Caltec Academy because he did not like the course he had been offered at Makerere University. He later did Marketing at Nakawa, (now MUBS).
At MUBS, he held his first job at Kiss Foto Lab where he was in charge of photography and engraving. He later became a freelance designer – he used to deal in graphics and letterheads.
He became a music presenter in 1993. He was among the first radio presenters on Sanyu Fm before he joined Capital FM where he worked from 1994 until he retired in 2017.