Grace Mapunda
Tanzanian actress
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Grace Vincent Mapunda (July 5, 1969 – November 2, 2024) was a Tanzanian actress known for playing Tesa in Huba series.[2]
Mama Kawele
Grace Mapunda | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 5, 1969 Mwanza, Tanzania |
| 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 |
Biography
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
Movies
| 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
Death
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 died.[11]
Reactions
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]