Rose Mhando Biography
Rose Mhando is one of the most loved gospel singers in East Africa. Born on 29 July 1976 in Tanzania, she sings mostly in Swahili and her powerful voice has touched millions of people in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and beyond. She started singing in church and today has sold more than a million albums. What makes her story special is how she went from being a very sick little girl in a Muslim family to becoming a strong Christian singer who inspires people with songs about faith and hope. This article tells her real life story in a simple way.
Rose Mhando Early Life and Family Background
Rose was born in a small village called Dumila in Kilosa District, Morogoro Region, Tanzania. Her family was poor and followed the Islamic faith. Her father was a respected sheikh in the village mosque. Rose was the youngest child and grew up helping on the family farm.
When she was six years old, a strange illness started. For three full years she could not walk. Her skin peeled and had painful sores. Doctors and traditional healers tried everything but nothing worked. The family became very worried.
One night in 1989, when Rose was nine, she says she saw a bright light in her room. A man with scars on his hands touched her and said, “I am Jesus. I have healed you. Get up and serve me.” The next morning she stood up and ran to her parents completely healed. This experience changed her life. She decided to follow Jesus and became a Christian. At first her family found it hard, but later they accepted her choice.
Because of poverty, Rose had little formal schooling. She learned to love music while singing Islamic songs at madrasa classes. After her healing, she started singing in church and discovered her gift.
Rose Mhando Career
Rose began her music journey in church choirs. She moved to Dodoma and became a choir teacher at Saint Mary’s Chimuli Anglican Church. There she improved her singing and dancing skills.
In 2004 she released her first album called Uwe Macho. The title song “Mteule Uwe Macho” became a big hit all over East Africa. People loved her strong voice and honest lyrics. The album sold over one million copies.
She kept releasing new music almost every year. Some of her most famous songs are:
- Nibebe
- Nipishe Nipite
- Utamu Wa Yesu
- Amina
- Nampenda Yesu
- Simba
In 2011 she signed a big contract with Sony Music East Africa, the first East African gospel artist to do so. This helped her music reach more countries and get better production.
Rose is also known for her energetic live performances. She dances and leads large crowds in worship during crusades and concerts. Her music mixes traditional Tanzanian rhythms with modern gospel sounds.
Rose Mhando Awards
Rose has won many awards over the years. Here are some important ones:
- 2005 Tanzania Music Awards – Best Female Gospel Singer
- 2008 Kenya Groove Awards – Best Female Gospel Artist in Africa
- 2009 Tanzania Best Gospel Singer Award
- 2025 Tanzania Gospel Music Awards – Icon Award and Best Praise Artist
- 2025 East Africa Gospel Music Awards – Legendary Female Artist
These awards show how much people love and respect her music across the region.
Rose Mhando Personal Life
Rose is a single mother of three children named Gift, Nicholas and Milan. Each child has a different father, and the fathers left early. Rose decided to raise her children alone and focus on her ministry. She has said she wants to serve God fully and has chosen not to marry again. She works hard to give her children good education and a comfortable life.
She lives a simple Christian life and reads the Bible every day. In interviews she often says her healing miracle at age nine is the reason she sings – to thank God and help others believe.
Rose Mhando Controversies
Like many famous people, Rose has faced some difficult moments that made news.
In 2015 she had health problems and needed medical treatment that some newspapers called an abortion. She later explained it was a legal medical procedure to save her life because of serious illness.
In 2018 a video showed her receiving prayer at a church in Kenya. Some people said she was possessed, but Rose and the church said it was just strong prayer for healing from sickness.
There have also been false rumors about drug use, skin problems and even death. Every time Rose has calmly denied these stories and continued singing. She says problems come to test faith, and she uses them to write new songs about God’s help.
In 2017 she moved to Kenya for a few years because of threats in Tanzania, but she later returned home and kept performing.
Conclusion
From a sick little girl who could not walk to a gospel singer who fills stadiums with praise, Rose Mhando’s life is a story of faith and strength. More than twenty years after her first album, she is still recording new music and winning awards in 2025. Her songs remind millions that problems can end and hope can win. Rose continues to sing, raise her children and share the message that changed her life when she was nine years old.
FAQs
When and where was Rose Mhando born?
She was born on 29 July 1976 in Dumila village, Kilosa District, Tanzania.
How did Rose Mhando become Christian?
At age nine she says Jesus appeared to her and healed a three-year illness. After that she chose to follow Christianity.
What was Rose Mhando’s first big song?
Her first big hit was “Mteule Uwe Macho” from her 2004 debut album Uwe Macho.
Is Rose Mhando married?
No, she is single and has chosen to stay unmarried to focus on raising her children and her ministry.
How many children does Rose Mhando have?
She has three children: Gift, Nicholas and Milan.
What are some of Rose Mhando’s most popular songs?
Popular songs include Nibebe, Nipishe Nipite, Utamu Wa Yesu, Amina and Mteule Uwe Macho.
Has Rose Mhando ever won international awards?
Yes, she has won awards in both Tanzania and Kenya, including Kenya Groove Awards and East Africa Gospel Music Awards.
Where does Rose Mhando live now?
She lives in Tanzania and often travels to Kenya and other East African countries for concerts.
Is Rose Mhando still singing in 2025?
Yes, she is very active. In 2025 she won new awards and her old song “Amina” became popular again on TikTok.