Tanzanian musician, songwriter and politician Joseph Haule, popularly known as Professor Jay, has been unwell for three weeks and is currently admitted at a hospital in Tanzania.
According to fellow musician Ambwene Allen Yessayah, better known by his stage name A.Y, Professor Jay is undergoing specialized treatment for a condition that the family will reveal later.
AY added that there are signs of progress but prayers will also go a long way in helping the former Mikumi MP get back on his feet.
“Our brother Professor Jay has been unwell for around three weeks now and is undergoing specialized treatment at the Muhimbili National Hospital
“There is progress but let us keep praying for his full recovery. For now, the family has opted not to make his ailment public but all this will be disclosed in due course,” said AY.
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Adding: “The family has not formally asked for financial assistance but as friends we are obligated to come through for him during this period. He has been a mentor and brother to most of us and has entertained us for over two decades.”
According to AY, the hospital bill is steadily rising and the musician’s treatment costs roughly Sh200,000 per week and although the family is paying a significant percentage of the bill, additional help would go a long way.
Elsewhere, media personality Mzazi Willy M. Tuva took to social media to wish Professor Jay quick recovery, calling upon friends to pray for him.
“Say a word of prayer for our brother. The power of prayer will restore his strength. Let us pray. Get well soon,” he wrote.
Professor Jay was among the prominent representatives of Tanzanian hip-hop subgenre Bongo Flava and endeared himself to music lovers in Kenya with hits such as ‘Zali la Mentali’, ‘Nikusaidiaje and Yataka Moyo.
Having built a name for himself in Tanzania and the neighbouring countries, Professor Jay vied for the Mikumi parliamentary seat on a CHADEMA ticket in 2015 and won.
However, he was not re-elected in 2020 after Chama Cha Mapinduzi candidate Dennis Lazaro emerged victorious, bagging 62.7% of the votes.
