Hashim Mruta Bushier, 1942–1998

Hashim Mruta was a former policeman who turned to painting after retiring from the force. When Edward Saidi Tingatinga began painting at the Morogoro Stores, Mruta wanted to join him, but Tingatinga — already teaching five students — refused to take more. Mruta was allowed only to watch, and he would run home to practice what he had observed.

After Tingatinga’s death, Hashim Mruta became one of the founding members of the Tingatinga Partnership. He later joined the Tingatinga Arts Cooperative Society (TACS), where he remained until his death in 1998.

source: “Tinga Tinga, the popular paintings from Tanzania”, Y. Goscinny

Hashim Mruta with artists Jaffary and Chombo (courtesy Capt. Felix Lorenz)