Tanzanian singer AliKiba tried reaching departed President John Magufuli to verify reports on his illness and wellbeing, the artist has revealed.

He however could not reach him only to be announced 10 minutes later that he was dead.

Speaking to a local radio station in Daresalaam, the 'Mshumaa' hitmaker revealed that he became concerned following reports on social media  that Magufuli was sick.

"I was concerned following the reports on his health, I tried calling his number but it went unaswered. I remember even posting him on instagram and people started wishing him quick recovery" he said.

Adding "We used to communicate that's why I called him though his phone went answered, after ten minutes my younger brother followed me downstairs to inform me that mama Suluhu has just announced that Mgufuli is dead. It was indeed very sad"

Kiba further went ahead to state that Magufuli's death has also affected his mother.

"This death has affected my mother very much, she has always said that she is the one who predicted that Mgufuli will lead this country and I remember telling him this too" he revealed.