The passing of Shaka Ssali, the iconic Ugandan-born journalist and longtime host of Voice of America (VOA)’s Straight Talk Africa, marks the end of an era in African media. For over two decades, Ssali was a defining voice in U.S.-funded international broadcasting, shaping discourse on democracy, governance, and development across the continent.
A Pillar of Pan-African Dialogue
A Pillar of Pan-African Dialogue
Ssali joined VOA in 1991 and became one of its most recognizable faces, hosting Straight Talk Africa—a program renowned for its unfiltered debates and high-profile interviews. His show was a rare platform where African leaders, activists, and analysts engaged in direct, often tough, conversations on critical issues.
Under his stewardship, Straight Talk Africa became a must-watch for policymakers, journalists, and ordinary citizens seeking insightful analysis on Africa’s political and social landscape. His interviewing style was firm yet fair, earning him respect from both guests and audiences.
A Journalist Who Fled Repression, Then Championed Press Freedom.
Under his stewardship, Straight Talk Africa became a must-watch for policymakers, journalists, and ordinary citizens seeking insightful analysis on Africa’s political and social landscape. His interviewing style was firm yet fair, earning him respect from both guests and audiences.
A Journalist Who Fled Repression, Then Championed Press Freedom.
Born in Uganda, Ssali fled the brutal regime of Idi Amin in the 1970s, an experience that deeply influenced his commitment to free speech and democracy. At VOA he embodied the network’s mission of providing uncensored news to audiences in restrictive media environments.
Colleagues remember him as a mentor who upheld the highest standards of journalism. "Shaka didn’t just report the news—he facilitated crucial conversations that shaped Africa’s narrative," said a former VOA producer.
Tributes from Media and Leaders.
Colleagues remember him as a mentor who upheld the highest standards of journalism. "Shaka didn’t just report the news—he facilitated crucial conversations that shaped Africa’s narrative," said a former VOA producer.
Tributes from Media and Leaders.
Following news of his death, tributes highlighted his impact:
Former guests on Straight Talk Africa, including politicians and activists, praised his ability to ask hard questions without bias.
Fellow journalists credited him with paving the way for African voices in global media.
Listeners across the continent shared how his work informed their understanding of African politics.
A Lasting Influence
Former guests on Straight Talk Africa, including politicians and activists, praised his ability to ask hard questions without bias.
Fellow journalists credited him with paving the way for African voices in global media.
Listeners across the continent shared how his work informed their understanding of African politics.
A Lasting Influence
Though the cause of his death has not been officially disclosed, Ssali’s legacy is undeniable. He leaves behind a blueprint for fearless, independent journalism and a generation of media professionals inspired by his work.
As VOA and the global journalism community mourn his loss, one thing remains clear: Shaka Ssali’s contributions to African media will resonate for years to come.
"He didn’t just host a show—he hosted a continent’s conversation."
As VOA and the global journalism community mourn his loss, one thing remains clear: Shaka Ssali’s contributions to African media will resonate for years to come.
"He didn’t just host a show—he hosted a continent’s conversation."
Renowned Ugandan-born journalist and longtime host of Voice of America (VOA)'s Straight Talk Africa, Shaka Ssali, has died, leaving behind a legacy of fearless journalism and pan-African discourse.
Who Was Shaka Ssali?
Who Was Shaka Ssali?
Shaka Ssali was a celebrated journalist, moderator, and analyst who became a household name across Africa through his work at VOA. For over two decades, he hosted Straight Talk Africa, a weekly TV and radio program that tackled pressing political, social, and economic issues affecting the continent. Known for his sharp interviewing style and deep insights, Ssali provided a platform for African leaders, activists, and analysts to engage in candid discussions.
Born in Uganda, Ssali fled the country during the turbulent regime of Idi Amin in the 1970s. He later settled in the United States, where he pursued journalism, joining VOA in 1991. His work earned him respect across Africa and the diaspora, with many praising his commitment to balanced and incisive reporting.
How Did He Die?
Born in Uganda, Ssali fled the country during the turbulent regime of Idi Amin in the 1970s. He later settled in the United States, where he pursued journalism, joining VOA in 1991. His work earned him respect across Africa and the diaspora, with many praising his commitment to balanced and incisive reporting.
How Did He Die?
Details surrounding Ssali’s death remain unclear, with no official statement yet from VOA or his family regarding the cause. However, sources close to him suggest he had been battling an illness in recent years. Tributes have poured in from journalists, politicians, and listeners who admired his contributions to African media.
What Journalists Remember About Him.
What Journalists Remember About Him.
Fellow journalists and media personalities have honored Ssali as a mentor and trailblazer. Many recall his professionalism, his ability to hold leaders accountable, and his dedication to elevating African voices on global platforms.
Alan Kasujja, host of BBC Africa’sNewsday, described Ssali as "a giant in African journalism who set the standard for political debate."
Jeffrey Young, a former VOA colleague, praised his "unwavering commitment to truth and dialogue."
-Evelyn Kpadeh Seagbeh, a Liberian journalist, noted that Straight Talk Africa was "essential viewing for anyone who cared about Africa’s future."
Alan Kasujja, host of BBC Africa’sNewsday, described Ssali as "a giant in African journalism who set the standard for political debate."
Jeffrey Young, a former VOA colleague, praised his "unwavering commitment to truth and dialogue."
-Evelyn Kpadeh Seagbeh, a Liberian journalist, noted that Straight Talk Africa was "essential viewing for anyone who cared about Africa’s future."
Prince Apollo Tusime A Political talk show host on salt media in Uganda had this sad not to say "Sad. He is one of the journalists who inspired me into hosting talk-shows."
Ssali’s passing marks the end of an era in African journalism, but his influence will endure through the many journalists he inspired.
Funeral arrangements and official statements from his family are expected in the coming days.
Rest in Power, Shaka Ssali (1948? – 2025).
Ssali’s passing marks the end of an era in African journalism, but his influence will endure through the many journalists he inspired.
Funeral arrangements and official statements from his family are expected in the coming days.
Rest in Power, Shaka Ssali (1948? – 2025).
