“Play Reggae, Not Sad Music”
Veteran Ugandan entertainment journalist Eddie Ssendi has shared a deeply personal request about how he wants to be remembered when his time eventually comes.
Instead of a traditional farewell filled with sorrow and heavy mourning, Ssendi says he would prefer a celebration of life — one filled with uplifting music, positive memories, and an atmosphere that brings comfort.
Speaking during an interview on Kasuku Live, the journalist explained that while he identifies as an Anglican, he does not want the usual funeral hymns commonly played during Protestant burial ceremonies.
For Ssendi, those songs often make grief even heavier.
“Don’t Play That Music at My Funeral”
Eddie Ssendi explained that losing someone is already painful enough, and he does not want his loved ones to experience additional sadness through a mournful atmosphere.
He shared that if he passes away before his wife and children, he understands they will naturally be heartbroken.
However, he wants his final send-off to focus on remembering the good moments rather than amplifying the pain.
“If I die before my children and my wife, definitely I’ll leave them sad,” Ssendi said, while requesting that his family avoid the traditional funeral songs he feels increase sorrow.
Instead, he joked that his preferred soundtrack would be reggae music.
A Funeral Playlist Full of Life
According to Ssendi, he already has a playlist in mind and would rather have people listen to music that reflects joy and memories.
His wish is for mourners to leave feeling encouraged rather than emotionally drained.
The journalist believes that a funeral should honor the life someone lived instead of only focusing on the sadness of their departure.
And that’s not even the most interesting part…
His message comes from a deeper belief about how people handle grief.
“Don’t Add Pepper to Someone’s Wound”
Ssendi also shared his thoughts on how families should be supported during moments of loss.
He argued that when someone is already dealing with the pain of losing a loved one, the environment around them should bring comfort rather than make the experience more difficult.
Using a powerful comparison, he said:
“When someone loses a beloved one, don’t get their wound and add pepper.”
For him, grief requires compassion, not additional emotional weight.
A Different View of Saying Goodbye
Traditional funerals in many communities often focus heavily on mourning, sadness, and religious rituals.
However, Ssendi’s perspective reflects a growing conversation around celebrating the memories and impact of people who have passed away.
He wants his family and friends to remember his personality, his work, and the moments they shared.
Rather than a farewell filled only with tears, he hopes for one filled with appreciation.
The Legacy Behind the Journalist
Eddie Ssendi has built a reputation as one of Uganda’s recognized entertainment journalists, covering stories and personalities across the industry.
Through his career, he has been part of the conversations shaping Uganda’s entertainment scene.
His latest comments reveal a personal side — one focused on family, positivity, and leaving behind memories that bring smiles.
While many people plan funerals around tradition, Eddie Ssendi is planning his around emotion — not the pain of losing him, but the joy of having known him.
Ssendi’s message is simple: remember the person, not just the loss.
And when his final song plays, he hopes it sounds more like a celebration than goodbye.