The tragic death of Tanzanian “lover-boy” acting sensation Steven Kanumba on Good Friday, brings to an end the short but eventful career of arguably, the face of the budding Tanzanian film industry.

Kanumba, 28, died in controversial circumstances in his house in Sinza, Dar es Salaam.

As researcher and social scientist Aidan Eyakuze opined in a question he posted on the social network Twitter, “Is the passing of Steven Kanumba, Tanzania’s Lady Diana and/or Michael Jackson moment of cathartic grief?” Just as the death of the much loved Princess Diana and King of Pop Michael Jackson saw the world plunged into grief, Tanzania was similarly gripped by mourning over Kanumba’s demise.

Kanumba rose from being an unknown actor in an industry that was practically non-existent to become a name that slowly but surely became known throughout East Africa wherever Swahili is spoken, and West Africa as well.

He became a brand ambassador, the face of Tanzanian and arguably East African cinema as well as an ambassador of the Kiswahili language.

His handsome features were familiar from posters, TV soaps, advertisements and films.

A rags to riches story complete with swanky cars and a palatial mansion. All this in a period of 10 years.

The upsurge of grief at his final send-off at Kinondoni Cemetery, in Dar es Salaam had to be seen to be believed.

However painful his death may be for his legion of fanatic followers, it has brought to light the debate that has been raging on the social networking sites on the direction of the Tanzanian movie industry, also known as “Bongowood.”

There is no better time to dissect the offerings of the Tanzanian television and film industry as now, the moment when its high priest has passed on at the age of only 28, having made a huge impact on the Swahili loving nation that adores its heroes and heroines, particularly the artistic type.

For the millions of Kanumba’s followers, there is no debate on Kanumba the Great (as he named himself and his film company) and his films, themes and acting.

This was evident when people flew all the way from Kisangani and Bunia in DR Congo to attend his funeral.

What other East African actor can master such a following? Even President Jakaya Kikwete put off a foreign tour to participate in paying homage to Steven Kanumba.

However, critics will note areas where the budding film industry energised by Kanumba needs to re-examine itself.

The irony of Kanumba’s death is not lost on those who saw it coming in the many films and TV soaps he created and acted in, that revolved around passion and jealousy resulting in the murder of lovers.

Opinion is divided on whether Kanumba held up a mirror to a love-sick society. In his stories, the protagonists use money and wealth, property, position and power and not least, witch doctors, in the pursuit of love.

One has to understand the role love and weddings play in Tanzanian society to understand why these stories have been such a favourites among fans.

On the coast of East Africa, girls are taught to find love and be good wives instead of concentrating on schooling and making a future through their own efforts.

That culture, together with the patriarchal way of life that makes the male child a dominant constant and sequesters the girl child into providing male gratification, creates a vortex of factors that ensure that tears and violence are very much part of the love life of Tanzania.

So, is the Tanzanian society so lovesick they are willing to do anything for love?

Did Kanumba pander to a society that takes pleasure in voyeurism?

The scripts are patently weak, the acting is invariably overacting, the storylines hardly develop anyone apart from the main actor and the simple love solutions can be pathetic.

The worst thing about them, however, is what these love stories are doing to impressionable young minds.

[email protected]