Grace Mapunda

Grace Vincent Mapunda (July 5, 1969 – November 2, 2024) was a Tanzanian actress known for playing Tesa in Huba series.

Biography Grace Mapunda was born on July 5, 1969, in Mwanza. She completed her education in Dar es Salaam and later earned a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Dar es Salaam.

Mapunda began her acting career in the early 1990s and was among the early members of the Kaole group where she got her nickname Mama Kawele. She appeared in various television series and films, including the series Huba, in which she portrayed the character Tesa. Mapunda was married and had two daughters, Happiness and Ritha. Filmography Movies Year Movie Role Notes/Cast 2008 Yellow Banana Mrs. Bihemo with Nargus Mohamed, Vincent Kigosi and Blandina Chagula 2009 Fake Smile Grace Sr. 2009 The Hero of The Church Mrs. Maziku with Steven Kanumba, Juma Kilowoko, Mzee Chillo, Charles Magari and Cloud 112 2010 Offside Flora with Irene Uwoya, Vincent Kigosi, Jacob Steven and Steven Kanumba. 2010 Bed Rest Additional role with Ndubagwe Misayo, Ruth Suka, Vincent Kigosi and Blandina Chagula 2011 Because of You 2013 Love & Power with Irene Paul and Patcho Mwamba and Steven Kanumba 2013 Matilda Mathias's mother 2013 Nifute Machozi 2014 Jicho Langu with Salim Ahmed, Jennifer Kyaka and Tadeo Alexander 2014 Hard Price with Sabrina Tamim, Vincent Kigosi and Jacqueline Wolper 2014 Kichupa 2016 Chun'tama with Suleiman Barafu, Chuchu Hans, Hashim Kambi, Daudi Michael

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Death Grace died on November 2, 2024, at Mwananyamala Hospital in Dar es Salaam. She had been hospitalized for breathing complications two days prior (October 31, 2024) and was in the intensive care unit when she died. Reactions Tributes and honor from Tanzanian film industry including fellow actors, friends government and fans expressed their condolences reflecting on her legacy in Tanzanian cinema.