Irene Robert: Top hits, collaborations and career journey of the fallen gospel singer
By Steve Ireri, March 21, 2026The East African gospel music landscape was plunged into grief on March 20, 2026, following the sudden death of revered Tanzanian gospel singer Irene Robert in Dar es Salaam.
Her passing marked not just the loss of a singer, but the silencing of a voice that had, over the better part of a decade, come to embody a distinct blend of spiritual conviction, musical clarity, and emotional depth.
At the time of her death, she stood as one of the most recognisable and influential female gospel artistes in the region, a position she had built steadily since officially launching her recording ministry in 2017.
Raised in a deeply rooted Christian household, Irene Roberts’ relationship with music began within the intimate setting of her local church.
Choir performances formed the foundation of her artistry, shaping both her vocal discipline and her approach to ministry. Those early years were defined less by ambition and more by devotion, a quality that would remain central to her identity even as her audience expanded across East Africa.
When she transitioned into professional recording, she carried with her that same sense of purpose, distinguishing herself in a competitive industry through songs that prioritised message as much as melody.
Over time, this consistency earned her major recognition, including the AFRIMMA Award for Best Female Artiste in African Inspiration Music, cementing her as a leading figure in contemporary gospel.
Top hits
Her rise was closely tied to a discography that balanced solo expression with carefully chosen collaborations, each release reflecting a deliberate thematic focus.
Among her most defining works was the single Soja, a song that would go on to become one of the most widely recognised pieces in her catalogue. Released as a standalone track, Soja framed God as a spiritual defender, a “soldier” standing guard over the believer’s life.
The song resonated strongly with audiences navigating uncertainty, offering both reassurance and strength. Its official video surpassed one million views on YouTube, a significant milestone that underscored her growing digital presence and positioned her among a new generation of gospel artistes successfully leveraging online platforms.
In 2024, she released Moyo Dawa, another solo single that revealed a more introspective dimension of her artistry. While Soja emphasised protection, Moyo Dawa turned inward, focusing on healing and restoration.
The song addressed emotional wounds and spiritual fatigue, presenting faith as a source of renewal for those experiencing hardship.
Collaborations
Her collaborative work played an equally important role in shaping her career, allowing her to bridge different generations and styles within East African gospel.
In 2021, she partnered with Christina Shusho on Sitalia, a song that became a turning point in her visibility. Structured as a declaration of faith in the face of adversity, the song rejected despair, emphasising trust in divine presence over emotional surrender. The collaboration brought together Shusho’s established influence and Robert’s emerging voice, creating a track that resonated widely and elevated her status within the industry.
The following year, she expanded this collaborative approach with Hainidhuru, featuring Rose Muhando.
Released in 2022, the song carried a more assertive tone, built around the idea that spiritual attacks hold no power over a believer grounded in faith.
With its energetic delivery and bold lyrical stance, it contrasted with some of her more reflective work, demonstrating her versatility. The song’s video accumulated hundreds of thousands of views, further reinforcing her growing reach and the strength of her partnerships within the Tanzanian gospel scene.
Another significant collaboration came in 2021 with Congolese artiste Michel Bakenda on Mabilioni.
This track leaned into themes of hope and transformation, centring on the belief that humble beginnings can evolve into abundance through faith. Its message appealed particularly to younger audiences navigating ambition and uncertainty, offering a spiritual perspective on growth and success. Over time, it remained one of her most enduring songs, frequently cited by fans as a source of encouragement.
In the final phase of her life, Irene Robert continued to evolve creatively, culminating in the release of Neno Moja in late 2025. The song, a collaboration with Walter Chilambo, would become her last major project.
Built around the idea that a single word from God can alter the course of a life, the track carried a sense of urgency and conviction that resonated widely. Its impact extended beyond traditional platforms, gaining traction on TikTok, where it inspired a wave of user-generated content. The song’s viral success introduced her music to new audiences while reinforcing her relevance in an increasingly digital and fast-moving music landscape.
Tragically, it was Chilambo who would later confirm her passing, adding a layer of poignancy to their final collaboration.
He revealed that in the hours leading up to her death, she had been unwell but spent extended time in prayer before going to sleep, never to wake again. The circumstances of her passing deepened the emotional weight of Neno Moja, with many listeners revisiting the song through the lens of loss and legacy.
Her death was made even more heartbreaking by the stage of life she was entering. At the time, she was preparing for her wedding, scheduled for May 2026, a milestone that symbolised both personal joy and a new chapter beyond music.
That future, full of expectation, was abruptly cut short, leaving behind a sense of incompletion that resonated deeply with fans and fellow artists alike.