Grace Vincent Mapunda (July 5, 1969 â November 2, 2024) was a Tanzanian actress known for playing Tesa in Huba series.
Grace Mapunda was born on July 5, 1969, in Mwanza. She completed her education in Dar es Salaam and later earned a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Dar es Salaam.
Mapunda began her acting career in the early 1990s and was among the early members of the Kaole group where she got her nickname Mama Kawele. She appeared in various television series and films, including the series Huba, in which she portrayed the character Tesa. Mapunda was married and had two daughters, Happiness and Ritha.
Grace died on November 2, 2024, at Mwananyamala Hospital in Dar es Salaam. She had been hospitalized for breathing complications two days prior (October 31, 2024) and was in the intensive care unit when she died.
Tributes and honor from Tanzanian film industry including fellow actors, friends government and fans expressed their condolences reflecting on her legacy in Tanzanian cinema.