Tanzania Comedian Who Went Viral In Kenya For 'Kata Simu Tupo Site' Dies

Veteran Tanzanian comedian Umar Iahbedi Issa, popularly known as Mzee Mjegeje, who went viral in Kenya for his slogan 'Kata simu tupo site', is dead.

Mzee Mjegeje reportedly breathed his last on Wednesday, March 20, at Mwananyamala Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where he was receiving treatment. 

His manager, Real Jimmy, confirmed the sad news. However, he did not reveal the illness that led to his demise.

Tanzanian comedian Umar Iahbedi Issa, famously known as Mzee Mjegeje, famed for 'Kata simu tupo site'. /PHOTO

Mzee Mjegeje, also known as the President of Bagamoyo, was a resident of the Bagamoyo area in the Pwani region of Tanzania.

From cringe-worthy TikTok videos to everyday conversations, his comedic genius knew no bounds.

In 2022, he happened to drop a slogan that blew up in the East African region, especially in Kenya Kenya (Kata simu kata simu tupo site we don't like disturbance of the head you understand), permeating Kenyan street lingo and even making its way into political discourse and social media trends.

He didn't even think it would become such a universally-beloved phrase, but it quickly caught fire nonetheless.

In the clip, Mjegeje was captured hilariously asking a caller to hang up the phone. It depicted him wearing Muslim regalia at an outdoor location, including an Arafat scarf and kanzu.

He then removed his seemingly ringing phone from the pocket before instructing the caller to hang up as he was busy.

Like a molotov cocktail, it engulfed Kenya, roping in the young and old, prominent to the hoi polloi. 

The majority of online users adopted the phrase as it is being widely used in memes, videos, and also in political forums including the manifesto launch by Roots party leader George Wajackoyah.

This phrase could be used in any context. From telling your buddies the party has already started to tell your supporters the race to State House has been won.

The humorous phrases from the video have since been widely used in memes, and even some other artists have incorporated them into their songs.

The passing of Mzee Mjegeje marks the end of an era in Tanzanian comedy, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and joy. He is survived by a wife and one child.

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