Tanzanian teacher who taught Diamond Platnumz English buried in emotional ceremony
By Steve Ireri, March 17, 2026Allen Sadiki Ngonyani, popularly known as Teacher Allen, the revered English teacher who mentored top Bongo Flava stars including Diamond Platnumz, Harmonize, and Rayvanny, has been laid to rest following his tragic passing.
Teacher Allen passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Geza Hospital in Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam, after battling complications related to high blood pressure.
He had been admitted to the hospital for two days before his death, receiving treatment while closely monitored by medical staff.
His funeral took place at Ungindoni Cemetery in Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam, with family, friends, former students, and community members attending the ceremony.
His body was lowered into a shallow grave, carefully wrapped in a white cloth in accordance with Islamic burial traditions.
The mood was solemn, with emotions running high as mourners gathered to pay their final respects.
The family arranged for the burial following close coordination with relatives residing in Songea and other regions, ensuring that all customary rites were observed.
The funeral drew significant attention because of Teacher Allen’s prominent role in nurturing the English skills of several of Tanzania’s leading music stars, which left a lasting impact on the Bongo Flava industry.
Family members, former students, and well-wishers were present throughout the ceremony, offering prayers, paying respects, and sharing memories of the teacher’s dedication and influence.
Teacher Allen’s time in hospital
Speaking about the heartbreaking development, Teacher Allen’s nephew, Iddi Salum, revealed that his uncle had fallen seriously ill three days before his passing.
According to Salum, Teacher Allen was initially taken to Kigugumo Hospital for treatment, where he remained under observation.
“Uncle was seriously ill for three days. We took him to Kigugumo Hospital,” Iddi said.
Despite showing signs of hope when visited by family members, his condition deteriorated over the following days, leaving him extremely weak and unable to sustain himself.
Family members, including Salum, personally cared for him during this period, providing food, support, and constant attention as his health continued to decline.
He explained that his uncle had no spouse or children, making the care and presence of extended family especially significant in his final days.
“After monitoring him, he remained very weak and eventually passed away. I personally took care of him, feeding him and attending to his needs. Uncle did not have a wife or children, so it was just the family supporting him in his final days,” Iddi added.
Salum further detailed that the doctors at Geza Hospital later confirmed that Teacher Allen’s passing was primarily due to complications related to his heart, which had become increasingly fragile in the days leading up to his death.
“The doctors said the main cause of his death was his heart, which had become fragile and failing. When I visited him, he tried to show hope, but I could see he had completely run out of strength,” he said.