Tanzanian rumba maestro King Kikii passes away at 77

Dar es Salaam. Veteran Tanzanian musician Boniface Kikumbi, aka King Kikii, has passed away in the early hours of Friday, November 15, 2024, after a prolonged battle with liver cancer.

He was 77 years old.

King Kikii, one of the pioneers of Tanzanian dance and rumba music, was a key figure in shaping the country's vibrant music scene.

His death has left a void in the industry, as he was not only a talented musician but also an educator and mentor who inspired generations of artists.

The news of his passing was confirmed by Gerson Msigwa, the Secretary General of the ministry of Culture, Arts and Sports, who took to his official Instagram page to express his condolences.

“Rest in peace Mzee Boniface Kikumbi Mwanza Mpango (King Kikii), an iconic musician, a giant in rhumba music, and a person who dedicated much of his life to the Tanzanian music industry. We will honour your tremendous contribution to the dance music scene in Tanzania. For many years, you entertained, taught, educated and loved Tanzania deeply,” Msigwa wrote.

A musical legacy

King Kikii’s career spanned several decades and he is perhaps best known for his hit song Kitambaa Cheupe, a track that remains an anthem in Tanzanian music circles.

His distinctive voice and ability to blend dance rhythms with rumba made him a household name across East Africa.

Over the years, he became an influential figure not only in music but also in the broader Tanzanian cultural landscape, mentoring many younger artists and contributing to the growth of the music industry.

Born in the 1940s, King Kikii began his musical journey at an early age and quickly rose to prominence with his powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence.

Throughout his career, he recorded numerous songs that captured the hearts of Tanzanians and music lovers across the region.

A battle with cancer

Joseph Silumbe, King Kikii's son, spoke to Wasafi Radio on Friday, November 15, 2024, and shared details about his father's illness.

According to Joseph, King Kikii had been battling cancer for several years.

He initially underwent spinal surgery in Tanzania, and later, the family sought treatment in India.

"He had been ill for about five or six years. Initially, he underwent surgery for spinal issues here in Tanzania. Later, we took him to India, where I stayed with him for a month. They implanted a pump to help with his condition because he had lost the ability to move his legs, and his arms were not functioning after that surgery," Joseph explained.

Despite efforts to manage his health, King Kikii's condition worsened.

After returning to Tanzania, further medical tests revealed that his prostate cancer had returned and spread to his liver.

"He passed away at around 1:10 am today. We were all at home—my mother, Jesca, and other relatives—when we finished eating. He was having trouble eating, and suddenly his condition worsened," Joseph recalled, adding that his father had been discharged from the National Hospital (MNH) just three days prior to his passing.

King Kikii is survived by his family, and the mourning process is currently taking place at his home in Mtoni, Kwa Azizi Ally with burial set for Monday at the Kinondoni cemetery.