Tanzanian music promoter Ruge Mutahaba dies

Family spokesperson Mombek Barego told Tanzanian media that Mutahaba had died of kidney failure while hospitalised in South Africa.

“He woke up this [Tuesday] morning, and his [blood] pressure was too high,” he said. “The doctors tried to stabilise him but unfortunately he passed away at 4pm Tanzanian time. We will be able to give out a full [funeral] programme once we receive his body. At the moment plans are under way to bring his body home.”

Many tributes have appeared on social media since Tanzanian radio stations broke the news of Mutahaba’s death on Tuesday night.

“It is with great sadness that I received the news on the passing of my son Ruge Mutahaba,” a post via Tanzanian President John Magufuli’s Twitter account said. “I will forever remember him for his huge contribution in the media and entertainment industry as well as his efforts in mentoring the youth. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.”

Former Tanzanian president Jakaya Kikwete said he was at a loss for words. “My heart bleeds and is filled with sadness after receiving news on the death of Ruge Mutahaba. The nation has lost a young visionary and patriot. He helped me during and even after my presidency. May he rest in peace,” Kikwete wrote on Twitter.

Mutahaba is best known for setting up Tigo Fiesta, an annual concert that takes place in different regions across Tanzania. He was also the driving force behind Tanzania House of Talent, a non-profit organisation that he established in 2005 to provide music, dance and theatre lessons to young Tanzanians for enjoyment, education and employment opportunities. The company helped to kick-start the careers of well-known musicians such as Mwasiti and Barnaba.

Mutahaba also mentored artists such as rapper Nikki wa Pili and talent manager Babu Tale, who represents Tanzania’s biggest act, Diamond Platnumz.

“I do not like small dreams, I like big dreams,” Mutahaba said while delivering a lecture at University of Dodoma last year. “You need to be aggressive and please do not stop until you are a star.”