KENYAN/TANZANIAN MOVIE DIRECTOR,GEORGE TYSON, HAS PASSED AWAY [Rest In Peace]

George Otieno Okumu populary known as George Tyson, one of the earliest film directors in Tanzanian movie industry which is now famously known as Bongo Movies, is no more. According to numerous sources including social network’s posts from people close to him such as Ezden [through Instagram Account Ezdee255] and his ex wife(Monalisa), Tyson passed away following a car accident which occurred  when the crew of the production team of The Mboni Show [which George Tyson was its producer/director] were traveling from Dodoma to Dar-es-salaam. The crew was in Dodoma as part of  3rd years anniversary of the show. They had also shot new episodes and distributed desks at a couple of schools around Dodoma.

The said accident took place at Gairo-Morogoro area around 6pm-7pm. The Toyota Noah that they were traveling with experienced front tires burst before rolling several times. There was total of 8 passengers and while others are said to have suffered minor injuries, the accident killed Tyson. The host of the show,Mboni Masimba was not injured in the accident as per initial reports that circulated. She was traveling in a different vehicle.

George’s death comes as a shock to almost anyone who has been following news surrounding Tanzania’s movie industry lately. In less than three weeks, the industry has witnessed the passing of some of its core members. Just two weeks ago they lost one of the leading actor/director Adam Kuambiana. Before no one could forget, an actress Recho Haule passed away.

George Tyson[second from right [with black t-shirt] in the photo above] with The Mboni Show crew as they arrived in Dodoma two days ago. Photo Courtesy: The Mboni Show.

Tyson, who was 41 years old and originally from Kenya, is one of the most popular film directors in Tanzania and is also considered to be one of its pioneers. He became famous after producing and directing earlier movies such as Girl Friend and Dilemma.

In his movies, Tyson took an initiative of using anyone who he sees fit to bring the “reality” piece to the screen. For example, he used artists such as TID (in Girl Friend with theme from TID’s song ). His gamble turned out to be a great success that also gave the movie industry that had gone silent [or dead] for over two decades a brand new life.

Few years later after enjoying success from his Girl Friend movie, Tyson fell in love and married actress Yvonne Cherryl (Monalisa) who was the lead actress in Girl Friend. However, the couple divorced few years later. They have one child,Sonia Akinyi.

He later added documentaries producer/director to his portfolio. His notable documentary includes a TGNP project on Gender Equality which he directed and produced when  the organization was celebrating its 10th Anniversary.

As mentioned above,till his death he was the producer/director of The Mboni Show which airs on East Africa TV[EATV]. May his Soul Rest In Peace. Amen.