Legendary musician Ally B dies after short illness

Legendary coast-based musician Ally B, known for hits such as ‘Maria’ and ‘Bembea’, has died.

The artist reportedly died while undergoing treatment at a Mombasa hospital, after a short illness.

Sources close to the singer say Ally B died as a result of high blood pressure.

Ally B, whose real name is Ali Khamisi Mwaliguli, was one of the biggest artists in Kenya in the early 2000s.

Shortly after exiting the music scene, Ally B joined politics. In 2017,he tried running for a ward representative seat in Junda Ward in Kisauni, Mombasa County under a Jubilee Party ticket in 2017.

He has been mourned by a number of public figures, including legendary artist of his era.

“Ally B was a talented artiste whose music featured prominently in the entertainment landscape both at the Coast, across Kenya and beyond our borders. We have lost a young,” Senate Speaker Amason Kingi said on X, formerly Twitter.

“Oh Nooooo..This is the saddest news I have heard today. Ally B is no more… Rest in Power…” Benga star Suzanna Owiyo mourned the departed artist.

“R.I. Power Ally B. A huge loss for the music industry,” Jua Kali wrote on his official X handle.

“R.I.P Ally B.. real legend in the Kenya musical scene especially the representing the coastal region and fighting for the rights of the creatives from the region as well..! My hearts go out to the family during this time of sorrow, deeply sorry for your profound loss.” Lingala gospel artist Daddy Owen said.