Samia mourns veteran actor Kambi

DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has joined Tanzanians in mourning veteran film actor Hashim Kambi, who was laid to rest at Kisutu Cemetery in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday.

The President expressed her sorrow on Monday following Kambi’s death in the city after a short illness. He had been admitted to Mico Hospital in Sinza, where he later died. In a statement, President Samia described his death as “a heavy blow” to the country’s creative industry. “I have received with sadness the news of the death of the veteran actor, Hashim Kambi, which happened today (Monday) in Dar es Salaam.

The nation has lost a rare talent that contributed greatly to the growth and promotion of the film industry in the country,” the Head of State wrote on her Instagram account. She extended condolences to the Tanzania Film Board, the National Arts Council, his family, friends and the wider artistic community.

ALSO READ: Barker: Patience paid off

“I extend my condolences to the Tanzania Film Board, the National Arts Council (BASATA), film artists and the family of the deceased, film stakeholders, brothers, relatives, friends and all those affected by this tragedy. We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.”

Speaking on behalf of the family, the deceased actor’s younger brother, Mwita Kambi, said he had a known history of high blood pressure. Family members added that Kambi had travelled from Tabora to Dar es Salaam on 27 April and had returned to work shortly after his arrival in the city.

“He needed rest, but chose to continue working,” he said.

Kambi was born in Morogoro and first gained recognition as a footballer. He played for Jogoo Morogoro in the 1970s before joining Young Africans SC in 1977, where he played as a centreback until the early 1980s.

He later transitioned into acting, becoming a prominent figure in Tanzania’s film industry. Colleagues and fans have described him as a disciplined performer and mentor.

“He was more than a colleague; he was a mentor and a brother to many of us,” one filmmaker said. Condolence messages have been pouring in. Veteran actor Ahmed Olotu, also known as Mzee Chillo, said he learned of Kambi’s death after being called to the hospital.

“I received a call from my manager telling me to go to the hospital, and when I arrived, I found that Kambi had passed away,” he said.

Olotu said they met frequently at the office, where Kambi often came for voice recordings and would discuss a range of issues, including ongoing and upcoming projects.

“I learned a great deal from him. He was a trusted adviser on many matters and a close, valued friend,” he added. Kambi is remembered for his roles in films including Homecoming (2016) and Handsome wa Kijiji (2011).