Hassa Bitchuka: Swahili voice behind DDC Mlimani Park Orchestra's greatest hits

Hassa Rehani Bitchuka was naturally gifted with a voice that stood out in most of the songs of DDC Mlimani Park Orchestra.

He composed some of the songs and sang others that were scripted by the band members.

That is how, now 79 years old, Bitchuka sang into the hearts of millions of fans to emerge as one of the greatest Kiswahili non-gospel singers of all time in the region.

The singer, who hails from Kigoma region in Tanzania, has millions of fans across the seven Kiswahili-speaking countries, mainly Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, as well as parts of Rwanda, Burundi, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (then Zaire).

His compositions often contained moral teachings in different aspects of life, a factor that influenced lovers of his Kiswahili songs to share them widely, including in primary and secondary schools.

They were also regulars in entertainment joints, radio, and television stations across the region from the mid-1970s to the present.

The eloquence of their Kiswahili singing in all their compositions has cemented DDC Mlimani Park Orchestra as a legendary Kiswahili musical outfit.

Although Bitchuka retired from active stage performance three years ago, he could still be approached for special occasions.

His son, Salum Bitchuka, said his father is enjoying life after retirement but cannot be as active as he was two decades ago.

“Yes, we know he’s loved, but daddy is too tired for live performances and general singing. He cannot be as active as he was many years back. Basically, he has retired from active performance,” he told The Standard.

Bitchuka is said to be enjoying retirement as a grandfather and was not available for live interviews due to medical reasons.

Bitchuka and Muhidin Maalim are two of Tanzania’s most well-known singers in the popular music genre known as Muziki wa Dansi, a variation of the Cuban-based rhumba, a genre that has had a significant impact across Eastern, Central, and West Africa for many generations.

Most of the songs composed and sung by Bitchuka are still loved today.

The melodies and lyrics of his compositions have remained relevant throughout his years with DDC Mlimani Park Orchestra, known for hits like Usikinde Ngoma Ya Ukae.

DDC Mlimani Park Orchestra was sponsored by the parastatal Dar Es Salaam Development Corporation (DDC) for many years until it withdrew support at the turn of the century.

One of his biggest fans was former Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete.

Before joining DDC Mlimani Park Orchestra, he had a brief stint with Nuta Jazz Band.

During his career, he served longest at DDC Mlimani Park Orchestra and remains its longest-serving member.

Them Mushrooms Band leader John Katana Harrison described Bitchuka as a polished and well-respected musician.

“He was very articulate in his work, and it’s the reason he emerged as an icon and a legend by his own standards,” he said.

Bitchuka’s voice shines in songs like Clara, Talaka Ya Hasira, Hiba, Sauda, and Penzi la Hasira, among many others.

“He remains my legendary Kiswahili singer, as no one has emerged to beat him all these years in this genre. He impressed me until his retirement,” said Beatrice Onyango, a teacher in Mombasa.