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Popular rhumba artist Musa Juma dies
Musa Juma entertains fans at a past concert. It is because the origins of benga are traced to Nyanza Province that there is a common belief that all popular Luo music is benga. Ironically, benga music is today more popular outside its cradle, Nyanza. Photo/JACOB OWITI
Posted Tuesday, March 15 2011 at 19:36
Popular Benga musician Musa Juma Mumbo is dead.
According to his widow, Winnie, Juma died of breathing complications on Tuesday evening at a Mombasa hospital.
“He had been complaining of chest problems ever since he returned from a tour of the US a few weeks ago, and the problem worsened,” she said.
She said doctors had frantically tried to save his life at the Intensive Care Unit of Mombasa Hospital.
Last week, his group the Limpopo International, staged what turned out to have been his final show in Mombasa.
Speaking to the Nation, his band member, Prezda Bandasonn, said Juma complained of chest problems related to a suspected bout of pneumonia during his tour of America.
“We have lost a talented an inspiring musician who will be missed by many,” Bandasonn said.
By coincidence, Juma’s younger brother Omondi Tonny, also a musician, died about three years ago in Mombasa from injuries sustained in a road accident.
The musician will be best remembered for his popular songs like Mercelina, Hera Mudho, Ufisadi and Freddy.
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