Irene Robert, the celebrated Tanzanian gospel singer and songwriter known for her angelic voice and spiritual depth, has died in Dar es Salaam following a brief and unexplained illness. She was 34 years old.
The singer’s passing was confirmed on the night of Friday, March 20, 2026, leaving fans, worshippers, and fellow artists across East Africa in shock. Reports indicate that Irene spent her final hours engaged in an extended spiritual session, immersed in prayer before retiring to bed, never to wake again.
Her close friend and collaborator, gospel artist Walter Chilambo, shared the harrowing details on social media, describing how Irene, despite feeling unwell, devoted herself to prayer through the night. Chilambo’s tribute, written in Swahili, revealed both his grief and the unfulfilled plans for her life, including her impending wedding.
Chilambo noted that Irene had requested him to help with her upcoming May 2026 wedding to her fiancé, Brian—a joyful event now overshadowed by tragedy. He wrote:
“R.I.P rafiki yangu mzuri… umeomba kwa muda mrefu usiku masaa mengi sana kisha ukalala moja kwa moja… R.I.P”
The singer’s final song, ‘Neno Moja’ (One Word), which Chilambo penned for her, has become a poignant anthem for fans mourning her loss.
Irene Robert rose to prominence with hits such as ‘Soja’, ‘Moyo Dawa’, and ‘Bingwa’. She collaborated with major East African gospel artists including Christina Shusho, Rose Muhando, and Guardian Angel, leaving a lasting legacy in the region’s music and worship community.
Fans and the gospel community continue to pay tribute to her life and music, celebrating the spiritual impact she had across East Africa.
