Presidents lead Kidude's burial

Presidents lead Kidude's burial

By The guardian reporter

19th April 2013

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Zanzibar Chief Kadhi, Khamis Haji (Front) leads top government leaders and other mourners in prayers for Fatuma Baraka, popularly known as Bi Kidude during her burial at Mwembeshauri mousque in Stone Town in Zanzibar yesterday. The renowned singer died on Wednesday. (Photo: VPO)

President Jakaya Kikwete joined Zanzibar President Ali Shein and other mourners in the burial of Tanzania’s highly reputed Taarab and Unyago singer Fatma Baraka, or popularly known as Bi Kidude at the Kitumba village of Unguja’s central district yesterday afternoon.

Kikwete braved the heavy rain and flight fatigue during the burial as he just arrived from a tour in Netherlands before traveling to Zanzibar yesterday.
With hundreds of mourners still grief stricken, the last pray of Bi Kidude was held at the Mwembeshauri mosque here early in the afternoon.

Besides the presidents, other high ranking government officials who turned out at the burial ceremony included
Vice-President Mohamed Gharib Bilal, Zanzibar’s First Vice-President Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad and Second Vice-President Ambassador Seif Ali Iddi, galore of politicians and artistes from both Zanzibar and Mainland.

Zanzibar head Kadhi Sheikh Khamis Haji Khamis led the final prayers at the mosque which was full packed as people made huge congregation.

To ensure safety and security during the funeral, a huge number of Field Force Unit policemen and plainclothesmen were deployed during the occasion.
Downpour prevailed soon after the prayers as long queue of vehicles packed with mourners were driven to Kitumba village.

Throughout the way to the village rain continued to pour but mourners braved it.
Other dignitaries who also attended the burial included
Zanzibar Minister for Information, Culture, Tourism and Sports Said Ali Mbarouk, Dar es salaam Regional Commissioner Said Meck Sadick, Members of Zanzibar House of Repr4esenttaives to mention a few.
Minister Mbarouk said the government still values, misses and respects Bi Kidude despite her death,

He said Kidude played a crucial role in publicizing Zanzibar all over the world through her music career for decades.

Minister Mbarouk said the government has been deeply shocked and is grief=stricken by the death of Bi Kidude.

Kidude died on Wednesday afternoon and the news of her death reverberated across the world like wild fire.

The gravity of Kidude’s funeral is said to have exceeded that of young Taarab singer Omar Kopa a couple of years ago I terms of attendance of government officials.
Kidude did not leave behind an heir as she had no children and is believed to have died at the age of 103 years.

During her music career Kidude won accolades and traveled all over the world for entertainment. She has been a pillar in Taarab music and also helped children with asthma as she heeled them with remarkable ease.