controversy & tragedy eclipsed talent

Curtains have finally rolled down on 2013 and here we are in 2014. To some it was a big sigh of relief to see the year end, whereas to others it was business as usual.

Many interesting things happened in the past 12 months that made the entertainment industry such an interesting place to be, from the court cases, the music scene, movies and even the gossip of who made more money than the other.

In this first issue of The Beat in 2014 we in retrospect take a look at some of the events that made headlines in the country and beyond.

Tears rolled

Just like in 2012, we were quite busy writing obituaries and tributes for fallen entertainers after their untimely demise.

The year kicked off in a somber mood after actor Sadick Juma Kilowoko aka Sajuki succumbed to stomach complications that had kept him off the limelight for quite a long time.

His long awaited return to the big stage was never to be as even the cameo public appearances almost ended in a tragedy. As the industry was yet to get to terms with the actor’s death, darkness descended on the music scene after legendary artiste Bi Kidude took her last breath in Zanzibar in April.

Bi Kidude travelled the world using the name, and wherever she went the crowds related her to Tanzania’s rich cultural heritage.

Despite a career that spanned across decades, much of Bi Kidude’s life story was uncorroborated.

There are numerous tales about her exploits in Oman and other Arab countries, but few of these were backed up by material evidence.

A month later, rapper Ngwair died under mysterious circumstances at a hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he had gone for a couple of shows.

His memorial service at Leaders Club, Dar es Salaam was an emotional affair as camps came to war over who was the right representative of the artistes’ body at the funeral.

But even then his death acted as a unifying factor as artistes from different camps were united in sorrow, Jay Dee and MwanaFA postponed their long awaited shows on that weekend.

In June there was tragic news after rapper Langa Kileo died in Dar es Salaam, he was one of the products of the Coca Cola pop stars which ushered in singers such as Shaa and Witness.

At the time of his death Langa, who openly admitted at a certain point that he was hooked on drugs was attending rehab sessions.

In November, Tabu Ley (76), who was one of the few surviving rumba maestros on the continent passed on in Brussels, Belgium where he had been undergoing treatment for a stroke he suffered in 2008. Tabu Ley was known for being one of Africa’s most influential vocalists and prolific songwriters.

He has been described as the Congolese personality who, along with Mobutu Seseseko, marked Africa’s 20th century history.

He was at a certain point referred to as the African Elvis by the Los Angeles Times. He is known to have nurtured and groomed the talents of Mbilia Bel who he later married before splitting in the mid 80s. His songs such as Muzina are quite a staple in the Tanzanian music spheres.

Drugs rock the industry

In October 2012 The beat broke the story about songstress Ray C being in a bad shape after falling victim to drug abuse.

She was later admitted to a rehab that remains a well kept secret and the highlight of her rehabilitation was when she paid a courtesy call to President Jakaya Kikwete.

The ‘Na Wewe Milele’ singer was at State House to thank the President for saving her life which, according to many, was by then hanging on a very thin thread.

As we head into 2014 her loyal fans will look forward to seeing her again gauging by the response towards her cameo appearance at the Serengeti Fiesta.

But as Ray C had a close shave with death, more drugs related drama was to stir emotions in the industry after video vixen Agnes Gerald was allegedly arrested in South Africa with drugs worth billions of shillings.

Though she was later acquitted by the South African court and she secured her return to Tanzania, it was a story that left tongues wagging across the region. Sociallite Jackie Cliff capped up the year after she was alledgedly arrested with a consignment in Macao on December 19.

However, as these remained as stories that attracted most hits, another drugs story was the confession by Twanga Pepeta’s Msafiri Diouf on how he survived his years of substance abuse. The artiste is currently continuing his rehab at Muhimbili National Hospital.

Jail terms

Nine months after she was arrested for allegedly being responsible for the death of actor Steven Kanumba, actress Elizabeth Michael, aka ‘Lulu’ was finally released on bail.

It is alleged that the two had an on and off affair before a brawl broke out on that fateful night. She has since kept a low profile and has gone on to release a movie ‘Foolish Age’, which she launched at Mlimani City’s Century Cinema.

But unlike Lulu, who is yet to be cleared of the case and is enjoying some freedom, this was not the case for the Nguza family who are serving a life sentence.

The Court of Appeal upheld a life sentence on popular Congolese musicians, Nguza Vicking aka Babu Seya and his son, Johnson Nguza, aka Papii Kocha.

The court dismissed an application by Babu Seya and Papii Kocha seeking a review of a life sentence which was handed to them for defiling minors.

The two, through their lawyer, Mabere Marando and Gabriel Mnyelle, asked the Appeal Court - the country’s Highest Temple of judiciary, to review its judgment delivered on February 11, 2010, in which they claimed to have some errors, and quash their conviction.

Shows and controversy

As gloomy as the events might suggest, there were cheers too, on a couple of stages but perhaps the climax was when P Square finally arrived for a performance at the Leaders’ Club. Backed by an 11-man band, this could well pass as the best show of 2013 as the gifted pair rocked the city with a number of their hit singles that have now become anthems to their fans, including the high flying Personality.

There was controversy as well especially with the beef that involved MwanaFA and Lady Jay Dee, it was a story that literally tore the city into shreds as you had to belong to a certain camp somehow.

Ney Wa Mitego was as controversial as ever, having done a collabo with Diamond which gave birth to ‘Muziki Gani’, the Manzese-born lad was up to something with the release of Salaam Zao.

In fact many think it was an attack of the hierarchy as the song touches on some of the thorny issues that would rather be left unsaid.