The cruel and mighty hand of death has struck again! Larger than life Ali Mazrui is no more?! What a loss for academia! What a greater loss for Africa(ns)! His critically acclaimed documentary, The Africans, and the accompanying book by the same name, will no doubt survive the ages. His numerous books, journal articles, and impacts around the world, will ensure that his legacy is long-lasting for future generations yet to come. The following was our last communication with him on June 19th 2014: Abbey:Hello Professor,Its me again. There is a debate on the Uganda forum going on about your place of birth. Some say you were born in India and grew up in Uganda, while others say you were born in Uganda. Is it okay if you clarify this for us. Prof Mahmood Mamdani:Abbey,Here are the details:My family has been in East Africa for over 100 years. Two of my grandparents were born on the coast, one in Lamu, the other in Zanzibar. My parents were born in Dar es Salaam and Kigoma. I was born in Mumbai, India where my parents were for two years as students. The family came to Uganda in 1951. May we all be comforted in pleasant memories of him.May he rest in perfect peace.Inaliliahi wahina ilayihi rajihuna!
Posted on: Tue, 14 Oct 2014 10:32:24 +0000