Legendary Kenyan Rhumba musician Abdi Aziz Kilambo is dead. The veteran artiste reportedly passed away at a hospital in Voi, Taita Taveta County on Saturday night, April 11.
Abdi Aziz was a singer, guitarist and bandleader of Benga Africa and, later, Ngoma Afrika famed for several popular singles including Nyumbani ni Nyumbani and Sina Kazi.
With his band, Aziz had been a regular performer at popular joints in Nairobi including Ranalo Foods on Kimathi Street and Miami Tavern in Umoja.
Aziz, 67, however, retired from live performances as he battled diabetes and hypertension.
In line with Muslim rites, Aziz is to be buried on the afternoon of Sunday, April 12, at his farm in Mleghwa located near Voi town.
According to a cousin of the singer who spoke to Daily Nation, Aziz died of a heart condition which was made worse by his underlying health issues.
The singer had reportedly been ill for the past month before his condition worsened on Saturday, April 12.
"A doctor at the hospital in Voi has confirmed the cause of death as a heart condition, which was compounded by extended hypertension and diabetes," stated the cousin identified as Kombo Kala.
Away from music which he started pursued part-time later in his storied career, Aziz also worked in paint manufacturing.
He started his own band, Benga Africa Group in 1991 and released hits including Amri Kumi, Sina Kazi and Matata Sipendelei.
Aziz later changed the name of the band to Ngoma Afrika as he started bringing in artists from other African countries.
Among artistes Aziz worked with in his career are legendary musicians John Monga, Mohamed Tika Abdallah, Patrick Omolo, Jose Beniko Bulimo, Teddy Suka and Rama Kocha.
Aziz is among many great Kenyan artistes who hailed from Taita Taveta county, with others including Malaika composer Fadhili Williams, Habel Kifoto of Maroon Commandos, Sammy Mwambi Mkali, and Mathaia Mlkamaba.
Listen to Aziz Abdi Kilambo's 'Sina Kazi' below:
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