Veteran Tanzanian Bongo music pioneer Zay B, whose real name is Zainab Lipangalile, has passed away, leaving behind a strong legacy in East Africa’s music scene.She died on Sunday, 31 May 2026, in Dar es Salaam while receiving treatment at Aga Khan Hospital.Her death was confirmed by media reports, sparking widespread mourning among fans, fellow musicians, and the wider entertainment community.

Zay B was among the early artists who helped shape and popularise Bongo music, a genre that has since grown into a major cultural force in Tanzania and beyond.

She became widely known in the 2000s through several hit songs including Nipo Gado, Ananitesa, and Penzi la Teja, which earned her recognition as one of the genre’s influential female voices.Her music was appreciated for its emotional depth and its contribution to the development of modern Tanzanian sound.According to reports, the singer had been undergoing treatment before her passing at the hospital in Dar es Salaam.Details about her final moments were shared by local media outlets, confirming that she died while still under medical care.Following the announcement, tributes began pouring in from both fans and fellow artistes across social media platforms.Messages of condolence highlighted her impact on the music industry and her role as a trailblazer in Bongo music.Many fans described her as a legend whose work will continue to live on through her songs.She is reported to have been laid to rest on the same day in Tabata, Kinyerezi, as per burial arrangements.

Her passing marks the end of an important chapter in Tanzanian music history, with many remembering her as a pioneer who helped put Bongo music on the regional and global map.