Tanzanian rapper Godzilla dies

Godzilla's death was confirmed by his sister, Joyce Mbunda, who told Tanzania’s Global Publishers that the musician was found unresponsive in his Dar es Salaam home on Wednesday morning.

Mbunda said her brother had been diagnosed with malaria, high blood pressure and diabetes on 10 February. The family is currently making funeral arrangements.

Artists, producers and industry stakeholders, including the National Arts Council of Tanzania (BASATA), have paid tribute to the late artist.

“It is with great shock that we received the news on the passing of hip hop artist Golden Jacob Mbunda aka Godzilla,” BASATA wrote of Facebook. “As we prepare to make an official statement on this, we would like and send condolence messages to his family, colleagues, friends and fans.”

Boomplay Music Tanzania tweeted: "When you mention 'Salasala' to those who love music, they automatically know it is Godzilla. It is sad that we do not have him any more. His demise has touched Boomplay as he made a significant contribution to the growth of Tanzanian music.”

The official Twitter account of former Tanzanian president Jakaya Kikwete said: “I am shocked by the death of rapper Godzilla. He was a young boy with high dreams, and his departure comes at a time when his contribution was needed in the music industry. My condolences are to his family and all the artists. May Allah rest his soul in the right place.”

Godzilla was born on 5 January 1988. He released a number hits such as ‘Lakuchumpa’, ‘King Zilla’ and ’ Kill Yourself’.