Iddi Pazzy Mourns “HAPENDEKI”

Adeladius Makwega – Mbagala

“You will one day be taken by the labor force, sent to Masaki, only to find your home is right here in Ukonga… Hapendeki, may God grant you a good resting place and give you eternal peace.”

These powerful words were written on the night of June 13, 2026, by Tanzanian football veteran Iddi Pazzy father. When Mwanakwetu read them, he was left with one big question: what has happened?

It did not take long before the truth emerged.

Duncan Chilima — popularly known as “Hapendeki” — has passed away. He is the very person whose name was immortalized in the famous song “Hapendeki” by DDC Mlimani Park Orchestra, the Sikinde Ngoma ya Ukae band once owned by the Dar es Salaam City Council. He died at Temeke Hospital after suddenly falling ill at his home in Mtoni Kwa Aziz Ally.

The news was not easy to receive.

Since Mwanakwetu knows Iddi Pazzy, he sent him a respectful and sympathetic message:

“Brother, how are you? How have you been? Shikamoo. When will Hapendeki be buried? Will you attend the burial?”

But behind that message lay a deeper reflection.

In the world of performing arts in Tanzania today, one recurring challenge stands out — sound. When bands perform or groups entertain, it is often difficult to hear every participant clearly. One voice dominates while others fade away. Both nearby and distant audiences miss the full richness of the performance.

This is where the role of the sound engineer becomes essential.

In the past, Radio Tanzania Dar es Salaam (RTD) set the standard. It had highly skilled engineers such as Crispin Lugongo, Lando Mabula, Joseph Masanja, Tatu Ally, Omari Salumu, Silvanus Haule, Moshi Sianda, and many others. They trained at institutions like DIT, the University of Dar es Salaam, and abroad.

The result? The voices of singers, guitars, drums, backing vocalists, and even the audience could all be heard in perfect balance. Programs like Club Raha Leo Show were clear proof of this excellence.

And this is where the name Duncan Chilima gains its full weight.

“Hapendeki” was not just a song title — it was recognition of his contribution. As a sound engineer for DDC Mlimani Park, even at a young age, he performed his work with such excellence that he was honored within a song itself. This was no small tribute — it symbolized respect for the entire profession.

In many bands, songs mention musicians or fans. But Mlimani Park went further — they honored someone behind the scenes, the man who made sound come alive.

Today, that voice is gone.

But his memory lives on.

Mwanakwetu extends heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Duncan Chilima, and to all lovers of Sikinde Ngoma ya Ukae — the “kinde kinde, akili kichwani mwako” community — for this great loss.

Memorial Song: “Hapendeki”

Chorus:
Hapendeki, oh Hapendeki,
We call your name, Hapendeki,
Hapendeki, oh Hapendeki,
Your name is heard aloud.

Verse 1:

Hapendeki, you were a sound engineer,
Faithful and devoted in your work,
We sing of you with voices of love,
Hapendeki, oh Hapendeki.

Chorus:
Hapendeki, oh Hapendeki,
We call your name, Hapendeki,
Hapendeki, oh Hapendeki,
Your name is heard aloud.

Verse 2:
Hapendeki, you have left this world,
We mourn you in sorrow and grief,
Yet your name will never fade away,
Hapendeki, oh Hapendeki.

Verse 3:
Mwanakwetu reflects with hope,
Under the memory you have left behind,
Iddi Pazzy Mensa mourns you as well,
Hapendeki, oh Hapendeki, brother.

Final Chorus:
Hapendeki, oh Hapendeki,
We call your name, Hapendeki,
Hapendeki, oh Hapendeki,
We will remember you forever.

Mwanakwetu, are you there?
Remember:

“Iddi Pazzy mourns HAPENDEKI.”

Wishing you a good day.

makwadeladius@gmail.com
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