Alfred "Uganda" Roberts Jr.

1943 - 2020

Alfred Roberts, Jr., legendary New Orleans Percussionist entered into eternal rest on May 5, 2020 at the age of 77 following a courageous battle with lung cancer. Born April 8, 1943, Alfred was a true New Orleans musician. He was born and reared in the historic Treme neighborhood that has nested many noted musicians and like many of them he loved his wife, his music and his city. Alfred was preceded in death by his parents the late Alfred Roberts, Sr. and the late Doris Riley. Alfred leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife Linda Richardson Roberts, whom he referred to as "the love of my life." He is survived by his sisters-in-law, Vivian F. Buckner and Ethel R. Cojoe and one brother-in-law, Albert F. Richardson. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews, Chaninn Means (Troy), Ayesha Buckner (Anthony), Omar Buckner (Kimberly), Akbar Cojoe, Franco Richardson, Saudah Aidoo as well as many beloved great nieces and nephews. Alfred was an accomplished, internationally recognized musician. He performed and recorded with Professor Longhair, Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas, Herbie Mann, Willie Tee, The Meters, Chief Bo Dollis and the Wild Magnolias, Groovesect, John Mooney, Ellis Marsalis, The Dixie Cups, Kidd Jordan, Snooks Eaglin, Fred Wesley, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Jo Jo Herman, Chris Owens, Papa Mali, Mo Fess, Barry Cuda, Jon Cleary, Sullivan Dabney, Luther Gray, Craig Brenner, and Jonathan Bloom, and the Forpifiers. From 1970 to 1980, Alfred had a band, The Ngoma, that performed locally. Recognized for his artistry, Alfred received numerous awards and certificates of recognition. Among his awards were the New Orleans International Music Award, the Sidney Bechet Award, the New Orleans Musicians Celebrity Golf Classic Award, the Jazz and Heritage Foundation Congo Square Rhythms Festival Award and many more. Alfred performed each year at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival from the second year of its inception until 2019. He performed at Carnegie Hall and on the Queen Mary and the Jam Cruise. He performed with Paul McCartney and other noted arts at national and international music festivals. Alfred performed on numerous movie sound tracks and in many movies. Alfred was more than a performer he was committed music instructor. He taught at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) where many of his students emerged as successful musicians. Alfred taught undergraduate and graduate music students at Chapel Hill College in North Carolina. Every year, he conducted percussion workshops at Chapel Hill College. Alfred was involved in the New Orleans community, sharing his talent and giving benefits for musicians and other community people. He performed for numerous events and organizations. Alfred will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and fans. Funeral arrangements by D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home. Interment will be a private family ceremony. A celebration of his life will be announced and held on a later date.