Musicians mourn death of Tanzanian President John Magufuli

Vice-president Samia Suluhu Hassan confirmed Magufuli’s death in a televised address on Wednesday evening. “President Magufuli has died of a heart attack at Mzena Hospital,” she said. “He was first admitted at Jakaya Kikwete Hospital on 6 March and discharged on 7 March to continue his duties. On 14 March, he returned to Mzena Hospital, where he continued treatment until his death. Our country will be mourning for 14 days, and flags will fly at half-mast.”

Hassan is expected to be sworn in as Tanzania’s first female president. The 61 year old will lead for the remainder of Magufuli’s term until 2025. 

Singer Vanessa Mdee wrote on Instagram: “The mysteries of our time here belong to God alone. RIP president John Pombe Magufuli. Prayers for the people of the United Republic of Tanzania, my home.”

Ugandan musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine tweeted: “My heartfelt condolences to the people of the United Republic of Tanzania on losing President John Pombe Magufuli. Eternal repose.”

Jose Chameleone tweeted: “I join the rest of the world to mourn a revolutionary president of the Republic of Tanzania, John Pombe Magufuli. May his soul rest in eternal peace as his legacy of true African development for the people lives on. My condolences to all Tanzanians. Sleep well.”

“Surely we are Allah’s, and to him, we shall return. We will remember you forever for your great contribution to the development of Tanzania. Innalillah Wainnailah Raajuun,” bongo flava singer Mbosso tweeted. 

“It's hard to believe but you're gone and God's work is flawless,” Zanzibar’s Sauti za Busara festival wrote on Instagram. “Maybe God has bigger plans with this nation, especially after you showed the way to strong leadership, and your commitment to the wider national interest, managing what you believe and much more. The nation has shut down in grief. We will always remember you, father. Rest in Peace, our president.” 

Nafasi Art Space wrote on Instagram: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Tanzania’s president Hon. Dr John Pombe Magufuli. Our condolences and prayers go to the family and all Tanzanians during these difficult times. Let’s stand together in solidarity.”

Nicknamed the ‘Bulldozer’, Magufuli was born in Chato District in Tanzania’s northwest. He received a doctorate in chemistry from the University of Dar es Salaam and spent some time studying at University of Salford in the UK. He was an MP for Chato District between 1995 and 2005 under the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM). He went on to serve various cabinet positions in the livestock, fisheries and public works sectors. 

Magufuli was elected president in 2015 and was re-elected for a second term last year. He was praised for his stance against corruption but was criticised for authoritarian tendencies, including a crackdown on the media, civil society and political opponents.

Magufuli was not seen in public since late February, fuelling speculation that he was ill and incapacitated. Opposition leader Tundu Lissu alleged on 15 March that he had contracted COVID-19 and suffered a stroke.

Magufuli was a prominent sceptic of the coronavirus disease. He claimed last year that Tanzania had eradicated COVID-19 and urged people to pray the disease away. His government stopped sharing COVID-19 data in May after registering 509 cases and 21 deaths. Many believe that the government’s dismissal of the pandemic, as well as its refusal to lock down the country, may have contributed to many unknown deaths.

Meanwhile, Tanzanian singer Rayvanny has released a tribute song to the late president, describing him as an outstanding leader who served with a remarkable dedication that strengthened the country’s economy and infrastructure as well as the education, entertainment and health sectors.