Velona Ayuko
In a video shared on Instagram by Wasafi TV, over 20 artists, most of whom are in a somber mood, are seen in the studio late at night composing and recording the song.
Several Tanzanian musicians went into the studio to write a special tribute song for President John Pombe Magufuli.
Magufuli, 61, died on Wednesday evening at Mzena Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where he was receiving treatment for a heart condition, according to Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The artists included Diamond Platnumz, Rayvanny, Zuchu, Khadija Kopa, Lava Lava, Shilole, Marioo, Ben Pol, Malkia Karen Gnako, Christina Shusho, Juma Jux, Belle 9, Dulla Makabila, Queen Darleen, Mbosso, Baba Levo, among others.
“Mastaa wa Muziki wa Bongo Fleva wameingia studio muda huu, kutengeneza wimbo maalumu kwa ajili ya maombolezo ya msiba mkubwa wa Taifa uliotokea wa Kifo cha Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania Dkt. John Pombe Magufuli,” Wasafi TV captioned the video.
Rayvanny has already released a tribute song to the late president, named Kifo (Magufuli).
“Upendo kwa wasanii kila mahali, ulifurahi nasi ukatujali. Zile kofia kumbukumbu umefunga safari, Magufuli wetu,” sang Rayvanny in the song.
Magufuli and Tanzanian musicians
Most Bongo Flava artists loved Magufuli because of his support, and this was shown during the 2020 General Election campaigns.
“I feel good when I see Ali Kiba seated next to Diamond. When you see Harmonize, who left Diamond Platnumz praising him in public, that’s the unity I want,” Magufuli said during one of his campaign rallies where he had invited the three stars.
Nicknamed ‘The Bulldozer’ for his aggressive leadership style, Magufuli won early praise for tackling corruption, reducing wasteful government spending, and improving the lives of poor farmers by waiving dozens of taxes. He also spearheaded the development of new transport links, power plants, more than 1,700 health centers, and investments that helped Tanzania’s economy become one of the world’s top performers.
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