Tanzanian hip-hop legend Chidi Benz is mourning the sudden passing of his mother, Bi Hawa, who died late Wednesday night, February 11, 2026.
According to reports from Wasafi Media, family and friends have been gathering at his home in Chanika, Dar es Salaam, to pay their final respects.
While some reports have circulated using the name Fatma Abdallah, primary sources consistently identify the deceased as Bi Hawa.
As of February 12, the family has not yet disclosed a cause of death, and formal funeral arrangements have not been made public.
Born Rashid Abdalla Makwiro in 1985, Chidi Benz rose to prominence in the East African music scene shortly after finishing school.
He eventually cemented his reputation through high-profile collaborations with stars such as Diamond Platnumz, Ali Kiba, and Kenyan rapper Khaligraph Jones.
Known for his “sauti ya zege” and high-energy performances, Benz has long served as a bridge between Tanzanian Bongo Flava and the broader regional hip-hop circuit.
This personal tragedy arrives at a poignant moment in his career, occurring just as fans anticipated the release of his upcoming track, “Uspimee,” featuring Khaligraph Jones.
The news has sparked a massive wave of sympathy across social media, where fans from across East Africa have rallied to offer prayers.
One supporter, Ally Gwebe, shared, “Pole sana sauti ya zege Chidi Benzi. Allah akutie nguvu kipindi hiki kigum kwako cha kuondokewa na mama yetu kipenzi.”
Another fan, Eliza Edward, urged the rapper to remain resilient, saying, “Mungu amlaze mahali pema peponi. Kuwa mwenye nguvu kakangu.”