Africa-Press – Tanzania. PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has led the nation in mourning following the death of veteran musician Steven Hiza, hailing him as a patriotic voice whose melodies stirred the conscience of a country.
In a heartfelt message posted on her official X account, President Samia conveyed her condolences to Hiza’s family, relatives and friends, describing the late maestro as a composer whose songs carried enduring value for the nation.
She said she had received the news of his passing “with great sadness”, paying special tribute to his timeless composition ‘Tanzania Yetu ni Nchi ya Furaha’.
“We recognise and will continue to honour his immense contribution to the music sector,” the President wrote.
“His song ‘Tanzania Yetu Ndiyo Nchi ya Furaha’ has adorned our country, reminded us of our duty to our nation, educated us and entertained us for nearly 60 years.”
The veteran artist passed away on Monday at his home in Mwanzange, Tanga, bringing the curtain down on a glittering career that spanned decades.
Beyond the beloved anthem ‘Tanzania Yetu ndiyo Nchi ya Furaha’, released in the 1960s, Hiza’s rich catalogue included classics such as ‘Hafidha Wangu’, ‘Umoja wa Akinamama’, ‘Marafiki’ and ‘Mapenzi ni Pesa’.
A former bandleader, composer and singer with the famed Atomic Jazz Band, Hiza became synonymous with socially conscious lyrics, weaving together themes of unity, love, patriotism and political awareness.
His songs were not merely entertainment; they were lessons set to rhythm, civic duty wrapped in melody.
President Samia extended prayers for strength and patience to all those affected by the loss, asking the Almighty to grant the departed musician eternal rest.
Only recently, the Head of State had honoured Hiza with a 50m/- award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Tanzania’s music industry and his role in nurturing a culture rooted in patriotism and national pride.
Though the man has fallen silent, his music plays on, a soundtrack to a nation’s story and a legacy that will echo for generations.
President Samia also used her X platform to urge Tanzanians and members of the music fraternity to honour and preserve the rich legacy left behind by Mzee Steven Hiza, calling on the nation to celebrate the fine body of work and immense contribution he made in service of the country
