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THE NAME of the singer, musician and composer Patrick Balisidya is recalled regularly in his native Tanzania, as his biggest hit "Harusi" (Kiswahili for "wedding") is played at nuptial ceremonies around the country.
Like his better known colleague, the late Hukwe Zawose, Balisidya was a member of the Gogo tribe from the poor, arid Dodoma region of inland Tanzania. The area is renowned for its wine and the Gogo people, often referred to as the "Gypsies of Tanzania", for their musical prowess - especially as singers.
After leaving school, Balisidya briefly made a living as a technician before beginning his musical career in 1967 playing guitar for the Dar es Salaam Jazz Band, one of Tanzania's most popular...