Taarab Musician Dies in Zanzibar

Tanzania Daily News (Dar es Salaam)

13 May 2011

Zanzibar — MAULID Mohamed ‘Machaprala,’ former star of the Taarab music in Zanzibar, has died after long illness associated with diabetic complications.

He was in his 70s. Machaprala passed away on Thursday night at Mnazi Mmoja hospital, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he was undergoing treatment for the past three days.

“He has been battling diabetic complications,” Mgeni Mohammed, a family member said. President Ali Mohamed Shein led hundreds of Zanzibaris including Taarab musicians, leaders, and elderly soccer fans, who turned up to pay their last respect to the deceased at Numbari Mosque, Vikokotoni street, before being laid to rest at Bambi village in central district.

“We have lost a good musician, he will be remembered for his great contributions in developing arts,” Shein said in his condolence message to the family of the renowned singer who is survived with two wives and ten children.

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