(8 January 1984 – 7 April 2012) was a Tanzanian actor and director. Kanumba died in 2012 at the age of 28 and 20,000 people attended his funeral. (Some sources estimated the total to be 30,000). He was described as "Tanzania's most popular film star"[2] and appeared in Nollywood films.
Early life
Kanumba was born into a Sukuma family in the Shinyanga Region of Tanzania.[3] His father was Charles Kanumba and his mother was Ms. Flora Mutegoa.[1] Kanumba had two older sisters. Kanumba began his studies at Bugoyi Primary School and continued with his secondary studies at Mwadui Secondary School, later transferring to Vosa Mission Secondary School.[4] He spoke three languages fluently: Swahili, Sukuma and English.
Career [edit]
Kanumba began acting in the 1990s in church productions. In 2002, he joined the theater group Kaole Arts Group. He appeared in the television soap operas Jahazi and Dira and made his film debut in Haviliki. In 2006 he met Nazz who give him adv and further connection to his career appeared in Dar 2 Lagos, a film by Mtitu Game that used both Tanzanian and Nigerian actors and crew.[5] He also appeared in such films as She is My Sister, This Is It, and Love Gamble. In 2009, he was a special celebrity guest on Big Brother Africa 4. In 2011, he was named an Oxfam GROW Ambassador.[6] Shortly before his death he had been preparing for his firstHollywood film role[1] although he was already "Tanzania's most popular film star"[2] and appeared in Nollywood films.
Death
Kanumba died after he fell down in his bedroom on 7 April 2012, apparently from a blow to the head.[7] His 17-year-old girlfriend, Elizabeth "Lulu" Michael Kimemeta, was questioned and charged.[4] Kanumba was taken unconscious to Muhimbili National Referral Hospital where he was declared dead.[2] His funeral was attended by around 30,000 people including the first lady of Tanzania, Salma Kikwete,[8] The Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Gharib Bilal, and the minister for culture and sport, Emmanuel Nchimbi.[9] He was buried in Kinondoni
Cemetery.
Work
Television
Jahazi
Dira
Zizimo
Tufani
Sayari
Taswira
Gharika
Baragumu
As actor
Haviliki
Neno
Ulingo
Riziki
Sikitiko Langu
Dangerous Desire
My Sister
Penina
Cross My Sin
A Point Of No Return
The Lost Twins
The Stolen Will
Village Pastor
Magic House
Oprah
Red Valentine
Family Tear
The Movie’s Director
Fake Smile
Unfortunate Love
Hero Of The Church
Saturday Morning'
Shauku
Crazy Love
2006 Johari
2006 Dar 2 Lagos
2010 More Than Pain
2010 Young Billionare
2010 Uncle JJ
2010 This Is It
2010 Off Side
2011 Deception
2011 Devil Kingdom
2011 The Shock
2011 Moses
2012 big daddy
2012 because of you
2012 neno la mwisho
As director
Mr Bahili
Kaka Benny
Lango La Jiji
Papara
Super Model
2010 Young Billionare
2010 More Than Pain
2010 white maria
2010 Uncle JJ
2010 This Is It
2011 Deception
2011 Devil Kingdom
2011 The Shock
2011 Moses
As writer
2010 Young Billionare
2010 Uncle JJ
2010 This Is It
Lango La Jiji
Papara
Super Model
2010 Young Billionare
2010 More Than Pain
2010 white maria
2010 Uncle JJ
2010 This Is It
2011 Deception
2011 Devil Kingdom
2011 The Shock
2011 Moses
As writer
2010 Young Billionare
2010 Uncle JJ
2010 This Is It
Awards
2006 Best Actor of the Year
2007 Best Actor in Tanzania Award
2007/2008 Best Artist of the Year Award