Tanzanian singer Sam wa Ukweli dies

His producer Steve Joseph said the singer had passed away a few minutes past midnight after he was rushed to Sinza Palestina Hospital in Dar es Salaam with breathing complications.

“I had been with Sam since Saturday because we were working on a new song and to be honest he looked weak,” Joseph said. “On Sunday he came back and we began editing the beat I had created the previous day to his specification. Soon it was nightfall and he requested that we work overnight and finish the beat so that we could record the vocals on Tuesday."

Joseph said the two had met at his studio early on Tuesday morning as planned. The singer went straight in the booth to record vocals and at 11.30am he began complaining of stomach pains.

“We gave him some hot soup and he felt better. We continued working on his vocals and he once again requested that we work overnight as he wanted to go back home with his music. The editing continued until yesterday evening about 10pm when he told us that he felt week and wished to go and rest.”

An hour later, his situation worsened and he began struggling to breathe. He was rushed to a nearby dispensary before being referred to Sinza Palestina Hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Born Salum Mohamed Salum, Sam wa Ukweli is well known in East Africa for songs such as ‘Hata Kwetu Wapo’ and ‘Kisiki’. His breakthrough came in 2007 with the released of ‘Sina Raha’ which received massive airplay in the region. He took a break from music for about five years and made his comeback with 'Kisiki' last year.

“Sam was not just my friend, he was my brother,” Joseph, who is also known as Jobiso, said. “He loved storytelling, so wherever he was people would always laugh. In fact, he is one of the few artists in Tanzania who have had no scandals or beef with fellow artists."

“I will work on his song and after consultation with his family and manager, we will release it. It is an emotional song that will touch everyone.”

Tanzanian celebrities and public figures took to social media to offer condolences to the artist’s family and friends.

“You are ahead of us but we are right behind you. May the Lord rest your soul and all the others that have gone ahead of us, in eternal peace,” Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz wrote on Instagram.

Politician Ridhiwani Kikwete wrote on Twitter: “I do not need to say much other than to thank God for granting me the gift of you as a friend. Rest in peace my friend Sam."

Sam wa Ukweli will be laid to rest in the town of Bagamoyo tomorrow.