Mzee Mjegeje, famous for 'Kata Simu Tupo Site,' dies in Dar es Salaam

Tanzania is mourning comedian Umar Iahbedi Issa, widely known as Mzee Mjegeje, who passed away on Wednesday, March 20.

Mzee Mjegeje, famed for his humorous video “Kata simu tupo site”, died in the early morning hours at Mwananyamala Hospital in Dar es Salaam.

He was there receiving medical treatment, although the specifics of his illness were not disclosed by his manager, Real Jimmy.

Mzee Mjegeje, also called “Raisi wa Bagamoyo,” hailed from the town of Bagamoyo in the Pwani region of Tanzania.

He became famous for his viral video "Kata simu tupo site", which captured the hearts of many, especially in Kenya, in 2022.

In the video, Mzee Mjegeje humorously insists on ending a phone call because he is at a construction site, saying, “Kata simu, kata simu, tupo site. We don’t like disturbance of the head, you understand.”

This line quickly became a catchphrase, popularized through memes and even songs by other artists.

Mzee Mjegeje had collaborated with several notable figures in the Tanzanian entertainment industry, including singer Harmonize. He had also expressed a desire to work with Diamond Platnumz.

He is survived by his wife and one child.