Alfred "Uganda" Roberts

Instruments and style

Roberts primarily played congas and other hand percussion instruments. His approach emphasized groove, space, and interplay with horn and piano players rather than flashy solos. He was admired for his tastefulness in supporting vocalists and bandleaders and for adding syncopated patterns that reinforced New Orleans' characteristic rhythms.

Career and collaborations

Roberts became widely known through a long association with Professor Longhair, a pivotal New Orleans pianist whose own revival in the 1960s and 1970s brought regional music to national attention. Roberts remained a consistent member of that musical circle until Longhair's death. He also worked closely with Mac Rebennack, better known as Dr. John, appearing onstage and in studio settings and contributing to recordings and live shows that mixed R&B, funk, and voodoo‑tinged New Orleans styles.

• Primary instruments: congas and hand percussion.
• Key partnerships: Professor Longhair (longtime collaborator) and Dr. John.
• Role: rhythm accompanist, studio and live performer.

Legacy and significance

Though not always a front‑line solo artist, Roberts' steady presence in the rhythm sections of prominent New Orleans bands made him an influential figure among percussionists. His work helped bridge Afro‑Latin percussion traditions and the distinctive grooves of New Orleans R&B and funk. Younger players cite the supportive, musical quality of his playing as a model for ensemble work.

Death

Alfred "Uganda" Roberts died in New Orleans on May 5, 2020 at age 77 after a battle with lung cancer. His passing was noted across the local music community and by fans of the artists with whom he performed.

For further information about New Orleans music history and artists connected to Roberts, see resources on the city and its musicians, including archival collections and musician biographies available through cultural institutions and music historians. Reliable overviews and discographies can provide additional context about recordings and performances in which he participated.