It still feels surreal: On March 27, 2025, Matthias Müller, better known as Kid Gringo, passed away in Uganda. Far too early, at just 46 years old, a creative—and at times chaotic—globetrotter, who for many was far more than “just” a DJ, illustrator, and respected graphic artist, ended his worldly session.
Out of Babylon:
Kid Gringo moves on
From Wittgensdorf to di World – The Early Days
Born on July 13, 1978, Matthias was a cross-border artist from the very beginning. Growing up in Wittgensdorf near Chemnitz, he felt an early urge to paint and create. A passion that his family always honored with the necessary freedom and support for his creativity. He belonged to the generation between Gen X and Millennials, shaped by the upheavals of the post-reunification era – yet never shy about thinking outside the box.
His style was at least as unique as it was unmistakable, his list of artist names as colorful as his artwork: Kid Gringo, Dose, Loki, Kid L, Kid Logisch, Kid Lurch, Käptn Kid, Üborselektor – and that’s just a sample.
All of Matthias’ naming choices reveal that he remained a child at heart. Often restless, always searching for the next adventure.
His creativity knew neither pauses nor brakes. It was largely because of him that the tag of the graffiti collective NSK (Non Style Kings) could be found on almost every other building wall in this year’s Capital of Culture in those early days—to the utter amusement of his supporters.
Selector on a Mission
Around the turn of the millennium, he finally moved to Leipzig, where he shook up the local cultural scene. With his sound system “Rotzlöffels HiFi – the mentally Freybeuter,” he “destroyed” the dancehalls of the relevant venues. With Heckert Empire, he eventually left his musical mark on the entire country as a DJ and founding member.
His recipe for success:
„He played, what the people want“.
Matthias knew how to connect people – musically, artistically, and personally. He was also a bridge-builder between continents, an artist who never stood still and whose curiosity and openness were often contagious.
In the name of his art, he repeatedly went headfirst into walls – and as soon as they gave way, he was already looking at the next one.
His output as a graphic designer and illustrator was unparalleled. He repeatedly contributed illustrations to the reggae magazine “Riddim,” which enjoyed immense popularity. In Dresden, where he also maintained long-standing friendships, he once again set the bar almost unattainably high with his contributions to publications such as “Klebstoff Magazin.”
Eventually, his passion for street art first led him to Brazil, before choosing Uganda as his final region of activity in 2019.
Baddest Muzungo
The East African country became a second home. In Kampala, he set up a mobile screen printing business, giving young people the opportunity to develop their creativity. He also remained extremely active musically, as a key member of the local Spit Fire Crew, where he supported and significantly promoted young Ugandan musicians such as Ratigan Era.
However, his role as a “dubplate master” was particularly influential during this time. He brought the so-called dubplate principle to Uganda and helped establish a steadily growing Afro-dancehall scene in Kampala.
The Legacy – Gringo lives on through you
He has now been repatriated to Germany, and while the funeral service and a ceremony in his honor are being organized, the appeal for donations to support his family remains open.
But this is about more than grief. It’s about preserving and celebrating his legacy. A large mural will soon be created that will immortalize Matthias’s work and spirit in public space. For the project, we are seeking graphics, photos, and memories from fans, friends, and art enthusiasts – all submissions are welcome and can be sent via the contact form or by email to contact@kid-gringo.de.
A comprehensive archive is being created from the collected works.
Since there is currently no central archive of his work, everyone is invited to submit works, audio files, videos, photos, or even just memories and quotes.
„Let’s build an archive together!“
This is the call to all those who would like to share something by or about Matthias Müller. Every memory, no matter how small, helps preserve the image of a man who inspired so many – and perhaps even brought one or two people to the brink of a nervous breakdown. Furthermore, the submitted material will be used to create a design for the mural, which will then be implemented on a suitable wall by close friends and artistic colleagues. Updates will, of course, be shared! In parallel, a pop-up exhibition is planned for June 19, 2025, at the Leipzig Salon Similde, where some of his works will be auctioned.
The proceeds will go towards preserving his life’s work. We are also still looking for pictures, shirts, sketches, and unique pieces – anyone who would like to contribute is warmly invited to get in touch.
No Fade Out!
In the end, it comes down to this: With Matthias Müller, the scene loses one of its most devoted souls, a creative free spirit, who lived on the fast lane, someone whose wit, imagination and tireless passion left a mark, that won’t fade so soon. His life was a wild cocktail of ideas, encounters, and the occasional short circuit – always pushing the limits, never doing things by halves. Colorful, loud, sometimes just a bit too bright for this world.
Many of his visions will now remain unrealized, countless ideas left unfinished. Let’s at least take this loss as a reason to keep his creative legacy alive, so that the traces he left behind won’t be easily washed away.
To all who knew him, loved him, and laughed with him: Let us celebrate his life, preserve his art, and ensure that Kid Gringo continues to be celebrated.
With sincere condolences to his family and all his companions.
