Passion or Profession: musician

Period: 1938–2003

As a cattle farmer in the colonial days of Tanzania, Zawose would sing as he worked. His five-octave range soon became famous among working Tanzanians, and he learned to play the ilimba (thumb piano) and several other traditional instruments. Zawose came to be known nationally as a hero with a magical, healing voice. With no formal education, he taught at the local college of arts and performed his mix of traditional and original compositions around the world, usually while wearing elaborate costumes.