Grace Mapunda
Grace Mapunda | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 5, 1969 |
| Died | November 2, 2024 (aged 55) Mwananyamala Regional Referral Hospital, Dar es Salaam |
| Resting place | Kinondoni Cemetery[1] |
| Other names | Tessa Mama Kawele |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1990s – 2024 |
| Children | 2 |
Grace Vincent Mapunda (July 5, 1969 – November 2, 2024) was a Tanzanian actress known for playing Tesa in Huba series.[2]
Biography
[edit]Grace Mapunda was born on July 5, 1969, in Mwanza. She completed her education in Dar es Salaam and later earned a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Dar es Salaam.[3]
Mapunda began her acting career in the early 1990s and was among the early members of the Kaole group where she got her nickname Mama Kawele.[4] She appeared in various television series and films, including the series Huba, in which she portrayed the character Tesa.[5] Mapunda was married and had two daughters, Happiness and Ritha.[6]
Filmography
[edit]Movies
[edit]| Year | Movie | Role | Notes/Cast |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Yellow Banana | Mrs. Bihemo | with Nargus Mohamed, Vincent Kigosi and Blandina Chagula |
| 2009 | Fake Smile | Grace Sr. | |
| 2009 | The Hero of The Church | Mrs. Maziku | with Steven Kanumba, Juma Kilowoko, Mzee Chillo, Charles Magari and Cloud 112 |
| 2010 | Offside | Flora | with Irene Uwoya, Vincent Kigosi, Jacob Steven and Steven Kanumba. |
| 2010 | Bed Rest | Additional role | with Ndubagwe Misayo, Ruth Suka, Vincent Kigosi and Blandina Chagula |
| 2011 | Because of You | ||
| 2013 | Love & Power | with Irene Paul and Patcho Mwamba and Steven Kanumba | |
| 2013 | Matilda | Mathias's mother | |
| 2013 | Nifute Machozi | ||
| 2014 | Jicho Langu | with Salim Ahmed, Jennifer Kyaka and Tadeo Alexander | |
| 2014 | Hard Price | with Sabrina Tamim, Vincent Kigosi and Jacqueline Wolper | |
| 2014 | Kichupa | ||
| 2016 | Chun'tama | with Suleiman Barafu, Chuchu Hans, Hashim Kambi, Daudi Michael |
TV Show
[edit]| Year | Show/series | Role | Notes/Cast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Since 2017 | Huba[7] | Tesa | with Tito Zimbwe, Nandy, Aunt Ezekiel, Riyama Ally, Muhogo Mchungu, Fatuma Makongoro, Mboto Haji, Abdul Ahmed. |
| Since 2019 | Nyavu[8] | Shani |
Death
[edit]Grace died on November 2, 2024, at Mwananyamala Hospital in Dar es Salaam.[9] She had been hospitalized for breathing complications two days prior (October 31, 2024)[10] and was in the intensive care unit when she passed away.[11] Despite a recent recovery, her condition deteriorated quickly, leading to her passing.
Reactions
[edit]Tributes and honor from Tanzanian film industry[12] including fellow actors, friends[13] government[14] and fans expressed their condolences reflecting on her legacy in Tanzanian cinema.[15]
References
[edit]- ^ Jamhuri (2024-11-04). "Muigizaji Grace Mapunda ' Tesa' azikwa Dar | JAMHURI MEDIA". www.jamhurimedia.co.tz. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
- ^ "Grace Mapunda | Actor, — Bongo Movies - Buy Tanzania Movies and DVD's Online". www.bongocinema.com. Retrieved 2025-01-08.
- ^ "Grace Mapunda Biography - The Saga". 2024-11-01. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
- ^ "MAMA KAWELE ASIMULIA ALIVYOZIMIA LOCATION". Global Publishers. 2018-10-24. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
- ^ "Grace Mapunda Biography: Everything You Need To Know About The Late Tanzanian Actress". Moov. 2024-11-02. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
- ^ Duncan, Mwadime (2024-07-22). "Grace Mapunda biography: Grace Mapunda husband left happiness and Ritha". Bana News TV - Bana Kenya - Bana Media. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
- ^ "Huba cast & crew". Jiffy Pictures. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
- ^ "Pande Mbili za Grace Mapunda". Maisha Magic Bongo - Pande Mbili za Grace Mapunda (in Swahili). Retrieved 2025-01-08.
- ^ "Legendary Tanzanian actress Grace Mapunda is no more". www.ippmedia.com. Retrieved 2025-01-08.
- ^ "TANZIA: Lala salama 'Tesa' Grace Mapunda". Dar24. 2024-11-02. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
- ^ "Grace Mapunda: Longtime Tanzanian Film Actress Passes Away". www.mpasho.co.ke. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
- ^ Lwanji, William (2024-11-02). "Arts Ministry mourns actress Grace Mapunda 'Tessa'". Daily News. Retrieved 2025-01-08.
- ^ "Lulu Hassan mours veteran Tanzanian actress Grace Mapunda 'Tesa' who died while receiving treatment". www.msn.com. Retrieved 2025-01-08.
- ^ Isangura, Joseph (2024-11-04). "President Samia Mourns Bongo Movie Actress Grace Mapunda". Media Wire Express. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
- ^ "Buriani Tesa, daima mioyoni wetu". Maisha Magic Bongo - Buriani Tesa, daima mioyoni wetu (in Swahili). Retrieved 2025-01-09.
External Links
[edit]- Grace Mapunda at IMDb
- Grace Mapunda at Bongocinema.com