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Remmy Ongala, one of the greats of Tanzanian music has passed away. He performed at many of the early WOMAD festivals and recorded some excellent albums on Real World. (In fact I was listening to MAMBO in the car just the other day). I found these tributes on the WOMAD site. Remmy Ongala passed away at his home in Da es Salaam on Monday 13th December 2010. "Working with Remmy was one of the real pleasures. There was a delightful, effortless musicality about everything he did, and once he and his band were fired up, they could take you away into their own unique, mesmerising world. I loved his voice, and I loved the man. We shall miss him." (Peter Gabriel) "Everyone at WOMAD and Real World were deeply saddened to hear of the death of one of Tanzania's, indeed Africa's, most inspirational musicians Remmy Ongala. Remmy performed with WOMAD many times and was a hugely popular and influential artist. His distinctive style of Ubongo music was loved by audiences throughout the world and he will be remembered for his outspoken Swahili lyrics which championed the urban poor. He and his band Super Matimila will continue to touch people through the recordings he made, both with Real World and WOMAD Select. Our thoughts are with his wife and family during this sad time." Rest in Peace Remmy. Thanks for the music. You live on in the music you leave behind.

To me, Remmy was THE SOUND of WOMAD. . . those shimmering guitars caught in the sunlight on the main stage. I feel lucky to have seen him play a couple of times.

RIP and may your soul move on to an even better place.

Very nice Nech - yeah what a loss.

I looged back in here after a week and read these sad news. R.I.P. sad news.