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Jose Chameleone mourns Tanzania’s first gentleman Hafidh Ameir Hassan
07th September, 2026 03:43 PM
Ugandan musician Jose Chameleone, has joined leaders and public figures mourning the death of Tanzania’s First Gentleman, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Hafidh’s death was announced on Monday, September 7, 2026, with reports stating that he died at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar, where he had been receiving treatment for a heart condition. He served as Tanzania’s First Gentleman after Samia became president in March 2021.
Following the announcement, Chameleone sent a message of condolence to President Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania, expressing solidarity between Uganda and Tanzania during the period of mourning.
“Natoa rambirambi zangu za dhati kwa Mheshimiwa Rais Samia Suluhu Hassan na familia yake yote kufuatia msiba wa mume wake mpendwa,” Chameleone said.
Translated to English, the musician said he was sending his sincere condolences to President Samia and her entire family following the death of her beloved husband.
He went on to pray for the late First Gentleman to rest in peace while asking God to give President Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania strength and comfort as they mourn.
“Mwenyezi Mungu amlaze marehemu mahali pema peponi, na ampe Mama Samia, familia yake na Taifa zima la Tanzania nguvu na faraja katika kipindi hiki kigumu,” he said.
Chameleone, whose real name is Joseph Mayanja, is one of Uganda’s best-known musicians and has enjoyed a strong following across East Africa. He sings in Luganda, English and Swahili and rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s with hits including “Mama Mia” and “Valu Valu”.
The musician also highlighted the close ties between the neighbouring East African countries as he conveyed his message of solidarity to Tanzania.
“Tanzania, tunalia pamoja nanyi. Uganda tuko pamoja nanyi,” he said.
Hafidh funeral
His message comes as Tanzania mourns the loss of Hafidh, with funeral arrangements already underway in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, an area where the family has deep roots.
While the exact burial date and time had not been announced, Islamic tradition places emphasis on burying the dead promptly. Hafidh’s final journey is therefore expected to take place soon, subject to official arrangements and the availability of close family members.
