By Prudence Minayo
Rose Muhando is a popular Tanzanian gospel singer whose music style and energy during her performances attracted so many fans. There was a time in Kenya when her music used to be played everywhere from churches, hospitals, public service vehicles and bars. The music was full of energy and anyone listening to her wanted to start dancing.
In fact, so many church dancers would use her music to create dance choreographies.
Here is her story as told by WoK.
Age
The Tanzanian musician was born in 1976 in Dumila, Kilosa district, Morogoro region, Tanzania.
Education
Not much is available on her education but she but she went to school in her village of birth.
Family and Early Life
Rose was born the last born in a Muslim family. Her father was a sheikh and they were brought up in a staunch Muslim family. She loved her faith and enjoyed following the rules until in 1989 when she became very sick. The sickness brought her so much pain and sorrow as her parents tried every possible way, including seeking traditional doctors, to find treatment for her but their efforts bore no fruits.
With nothing else left to do, they awaited for her death. One day, she requested they take her to a different room where she will be all alone since she wanted to die and didn’t want them bearing witness. They fulfilled her wish but still put a Keen eye on her. In an interview with Radio Citizen, she says that a miracle happened during the midnight hours.
A light from heaven fell upon her, and an arm outstretched from the light then she heard a voice saying “I am Jesus. I have healed you, be healthy, arise and serve me.” The voice said these words three times and when Rose woke up her body was okay and she was healed. Her parents bore witness to all this but did not hear the voice.
The days that followed were full of confusion till she explained what happened to a Christian lady. The lady told her she has to be baptized and become a Christian. She went back to her father and informed him of her decision to become a Christian.
Children
The songstress has never been married but is blessed with three children. In an interview with Citizen media in 2019, she shared more about her children. The first born Gift was studying law at Tumaini University, the second born Nicholas is a Finance student and the last born Milan was still in high school.
Career
The first time she actively participated in music scenes was when she was a choir trainer in different places. The last time she was a trainer was at the Anglican Church in Kilimanjaro.
While with the choir, she started writing her own songs and was able to get some money to record an album. The album was a hit not only in Tanzania but East Africa as well. From then on, she produced several songs that were also very successful. In 2011, she signed a deal with Sony music, which was a first deal of a kind for East Africa.
Songs
- Nakuuliza shetani
- Nibebe
- Nakaza mwendo
- Uko wapi
- Yesu Nakupenda
- Bwana Niongoze
- Penye Raha
- Shujaa wa Msalaba
- Sitanyamaza
- Kiatu Kivue
- Nipe Uvumilivu
- Nalegea
- Yesu Karibu Kwangu
- Ndivyo Ulivyo
- Ole Wangu
- Tabu Zangu
- Wanyamazishe Bwana
- Pumzika mama
- Woga Wako
- Nakaza Mwendo
- Niangalieni Mimi
- Kitimutimu
- Tamalaki
- Sema Nami
- Hatumo
- Wambe Nao
- Kenya Ulindwe
- Utamu wa Yesu
- Jitenge na Lutu
- Usife Moyo
Controversy
Being in the limelight means attracting trolls. People want to know what you’re up to. This popular artist has not been spared from all kinds of malicious rumors, including abortion and possession by evil spirits. Below are some of the rumors she has responded to:
- Drug abuse allegations. A while ago, a picture of Rose Muhando surfaced online and she looked emaciated and battered, leading many to make assumptions that she had started abusing drugs. She denied these allegations and said she doesn’t even know how drugs look like, in an interview with Radio Citizen. The song writer said that she would not be anyone s3x slave and that when she refused her manager’s advances, he took her things and started making scandalous stories about her. She went on to say it does not matter as long as she remains with God who knows the number of her days.
- Exorcism by pastor Ng’ang’aof Neno Evangelism Ministry. A video surfaced of the preacher allegedly exorcising evil spirits from her while she lay unconscious. The “Kiatu Kivue” hit maker said she was called by the apostle who said he wanted to exorcise demons from her amidst scandals.
Comeback
Despite all this, her life seems to be back on track. She released the song Kenya Ulindwe which was well received. She released Secret Agenda which garnered over 7 million views and counting. Muhando has proved that she is getting better with age as she continues to release hit after hit.
Awards
In 2005, she received the Tanzanian Music Awards: Best religious song (Mteule Uwe Macho) and best female vocalist of the year.
2008: Kenya Groove Awards. Best female gospel artist in Africa.
2009: Best Tanzanian Gospel Singer Awards. She was gives 200, 000 Tanzanian Shillings by TBC ( Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation) for her song “Nibebe.”
