Magufuli's Legacy: The Highs And Lows
His no-nonsense leadership swiftly catapulted him into a popular figure amongst Tanzanians, who responded by creating the #WhatWouldMagufuliDo hashtag shared widely by his supporters owing to his relentless drive in fighting corruption.
Marvin Chege 
The journey of the late Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli revealed a tale of an ambitious man seeking to disrupt the norm of his predecessors who carried a style of demure and authoritativeness.
His no-nonsense leadership swiftly catapulted him into a popular figure amongst Tanzanians, who responded by creating the #WhatWouldMagufuliDo hashtag shared widely by his supporters owing to his relentless drive in fighting corruption.
There will now be a heated debate on whether his potential successor, Tanzanian vice president Samia Suluhu should maintain the same drive or craft a new one.
However, such discussions cannot be diverted from a continent that enjoys the current trend of strong support for democracy but the increased amount of distrust meted among the leaders who have been notorious for failing to deliver.
So when a significant amount of Africans wish they had a leader like Magufuli, they equally want a leader that leads honestly and a government that holds their people with high respect and not take them in circles when it comes to matters such as the president's health.
Magufuli's death was attributed to a long-standing heart problem, but until now, many suspect that he succumbed to COVID-19 complications.
If it is indeed confirmed, it would be a big slap on the face of a president that downplayed the severity of the virus. His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic turned him from a celebrated hero to a symbol of caution for countries across the world.
Magufuli was declared president on his 56th birthday in October 2015. He was elected for a second term following a disputed poll in 2020.
He was hailed for his stance in the war against corruption, but he was equally slammed for curtailing media freedoms within the region.
His critics however tell a different story of Magufuli. He contributed to Tanzania's development, invested in large infrastructure projects such as a standard-gauge railway to connect the country with its neighbors, major highways, and a bus system in the commercial hub of Dar es Salaam.
He also increased electricity production, reducing the need for power rationing.
But it is his approach to COVID-19 that many analysts say will define his legacy. There has been little testing in the country and no plans made for a vaccination program, leaving the country as an outlier.
Tanzanians everywhere have since reacted with shock following his death. A section of Bongo Flava artistes led by superstar Diamond Platinumz, Juma Jux, and Khadija Kopa recorded and released a special song in tribute to the late Tanzania President John Pombe Magufuli.
Videos were shared by a series of Tanzanian media houses and captured the artists, more than 20 in number, burning the midnight oil to compose a special song to eulogize the late President.
Some of the stars that were spotted in the studio that was thrust into a somber mood include; Lava Lava, Malkia Karen Gnako, Belle 9, Dulla Makabila, Queen Darleen, Zuchu, Khadija Kopa, Mbosso, Rayvanny, Juma Jux, Shilole, Marioo, Baba Levo, Christina Shusho, Ben Pol among others.
