By MZEE WA ATIKALI
1. Introduction
Fifty Five years ago today, on Wednesday 10th March 1965, as a Form two student at Mzumbe Sec School, MBARAKA MWISHEHE MWARUKA was stuck between a rock and a hard place.
MBARAKA was a student who was deeply in love with music. He was, thus, in a dilemma as to which career between the two he ought to pursue; as was the case with Mwalimu JK NYERERE who, on 22nd March 1955, had to make a choice between teaching and politics. MBARAKA opted to choose a career in music and consequently dropped out of school.
As far as Tanzanian music is concerned, forget about Diamond, Babu Seya, Ali Kiba, Maneti, Bitchuka etc Boy the late MBARAKA was the real deal!.
2. The Life & Times of MBARAKA MWISHEHE
2.1 Birth, Early Days & Education
MBARAKA MWISHEHE MWARUKA was born on 26th June 1944. He was the second born in a family of 12 children. His father, MWISHEHE MWARUKA was from the Luguru tribe and was fortunate to go to school and later became a clerk. He was a resident of Mzenga, Kisarawe. The reason why the MWARUKA's family was based in Mzenga and not in Morogoro was because as a young man, MBARAKA's grandfather got a posting in Kisarawe where he went on to become a chief. While in Kisarawe, the new Chief married 9 wives with whom he sired more than 50 children!.
MBARAKA developed an interest in music at a very young age. He started singing when he was in primary school and was an intelligent pupil. After his primary education, he was selected to join Mzumbe Sec school, Morogoro.
3. Dropping Out of School
On Wednesday, 10th March 1965, MBARAKA made up his mind to drop out of school and take a bus to Dsm to pursue a career in music. He was then a Form two student at Mzumbe. What happened?
Well, on that day when Morogoro Jazz band musicians were taking a break outside their club, a young boy with a familiar face came by with a huge bag!.
With the pep talk that ensued between the two parties, the musicians managed to convince young MBARAKA to sleep over at the club as he sorted out his future.
At that time, the band didn't have a rhythm guitarist although they were preparing for a show. They succeeded to convince this novice to stay with them and abandon his dreams of going to Dsm. They agreed to pay him a monthly salary of TZS 120/=. One week later there was a competition in Dsm and one of the invited bands was Morogoro Jazz band.
The gifted MBARAKA outshone all his colleagues while assisting his band to win the competition! Consequently, his monthly salary was instantly raised from TZS 120/= to TZS 250/=!.
4. Moro Jazz Trip to Japan in 1970
In 1970, Morogoro Jazz band travelled to Osaka, Japan for an Expo as part of the Tanzanian cultural team. Others in the team were Mzee MORRIS NYUNYUSA, Dsm University Theatre group and Mzee MAYAGILO's Police Brass band.
It was a historic trip as many people from different countries attended and heaped praises on MBAKARA's Morogoro Jazz band.
Upon their return, they composed a hit song- "Maonesho Japan".
5. MBARAKA was A Multi-Talented Musician
MBARAKA's strumming style made him one of the best soloists of his time. He was an exceptional guitarist. At one time he would play like Dr. NICO and at another point, he would play like FRANCO! He was a hybrid of the two guitar greats from Africa. The technique earned him a huge following. He was exceptional as he played the solo, wrote songs and also sang.
6. MBARAKA Married Ms AMNE in 1972
On 24th March 1971, MBARAKA met a beautiful young girl named AMNE KADRIBAKSHI SHAHDAD and the two became lovers. It was love at first sight!On 17th March 1972, the two lovebirds tied the knot. Their marriage was blessed with two issues of the marriage namely MASIKU and TAJI.
7. MBARAKA Formed His Own Band in 1973
In 1973, after he became a household name, MBARAKA formed his own band "ORCHESTRAR SUPER VOLCANO" which was very popular.
8. MBARAKA Left Bongoland for Kenya in 1973
The gifted MBARAKA, in 1973, like many other Tanzanian artists at the time, switched his base from Tanzania to Kenya were there were better recording studios as well as a bigger music market.
9. MBARAKA passed Away in a Car Accident in 1979!!!
MBARAKA tragically passed away on 12th January 1979 at 1.55 AM when the White Peugeot 404 he was travelling in, belonging to his friend, OMAR ABDI who was driving the car, rammed into a stationary lorry near Kigonya church, Mombasa, Kenya. He was with two companions who died on the spot. However, MBARAKA didn't die instantly but at the hospital out of excessive loss of blood and lack of a blood donor. He was just 35 years old. It was a dark day for Tanzanian and East African music!.
10. MBARAKA Was Laid to Rest at Mzenga
MBARAKA's body was transported to the border by his friends as well as relatives and was received by officials from the Tanzanian Ministry of Culture.
MBARAKA was buried at his home village Mzenga, Kisarawe. His grave, which was for many years in a dilapidated state, was repaired by the late CAPT JOHN KOMBA before he died in 2015.
11. MBARAKA's Hit Songs
Some of MBARAKA's hit songs which are still very popular todate, were:
11.1 Shida
11 2 Makao Makuu Dodoma
11.3 Twawapongeza Wanasoka Wetu
11.4 Vijana na Mapenzi
11.5 Ntamtuma Mshenga
11.6 Mtaa wa 7
11.7 DR. KLERUU
11 8 Safari sio Kifo
11.9 Moro Yapendeza
11.10 Maonesho Japan
As MZEE WA ATIKALI, my favourite song is "Twawapongeza Wachezaji Wetu".
RIP MBARAKA MWISHEHE MWARUKA: EAST AFRICA's MOST PROLIFIC ALL-ROUND MUSICIAN & TANZANIAN CROONER PAR EXCELLENCE!!!
BY MZEE WA ATIKALI
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