On Tuesday, the 21st October 2008, I was part of a congregation that gathered at The Holy Family RC church in Sutton, South London, to bid farewell to a great and talented man, Francis Rwama.
Born totally blind in Uganda, Francis Rwama's musical talents took him on a fulfilling and adventurous journey, that saw him play with all-time Jazz greats at top venues such as Ronnie Scotts and The Dorchester in London. "Shebeya", a fantastic tune off his album, was a fusion of modern Jazz with the traditional Rukiga genre from his roots in South-Western Uganda. Audio samples of his music and more available on his website (www.francisrwama.com)
In a touching speech that moved the congregation to tears, his daughter Joanne described him as a loving father, always full of humour and an inspiration to many. Her words echoed my last meeting with him, a thoroughly enjoyable experience, that involved listening to breezy Art Tatum tunes and sipping cold Stella Artois lager in his office, where he worked so hard to achieve what he did.
Francis was laid to rest on 25/10/2008 in Mbarara, South Western Uganda and is survived by his wife and two children.
"The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time". (Mark Twain)
Farewell thee, Uncle Francis.
4 comments:
Its amazing how we are gifted with so much but put a very small percentage of our "gifts" into use. Francis Rwama should not just be remembered as a loving father and jazz artist; I think he's story is very legendary!!!! In all this, its important that when we leave this world, we should leave it a better place and our lives (and achievements)should be an inspiration to others(alive)
He was a good man! pain in the arse sometimes but a very latented musician and and inspirational R.I.P Francis!
Sorry to hear he has passed away - defiently not an ordinary man he was!
I was totally shocked and upset to learn that my musician friend who played with me in our band a few years ago and we lost contact, he was a great man and a happy person why do all the best go first, god bless Francis and rest in peace.
Tony Gillam
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