Ali Masoud, also known as ‘Masoud Kipanya,’ was born on June 23, 1972 in Dar es Salaam Tanzania. His nickname “Kipanya” (mouse) is derived from the popular mouse character in his cartoons. His work as a cartoonist dates back to his days as a primary school student, but it was not until 1989 when he had his first cartoon published in Heko magazine.
Due to his diligence and outstanding work, Masoud has won various awards and got a chance to travel the world. His won his first award in the East African Cartoon and Caricature competition organized by the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung in Tanzania. He also participated in a two-week international cultural exchange program in 1999, through the sponsorship of the Japan Foundation, where he visited Japan. He has also participated in several paint exhibitions in Tanzania and South Africa.
Masoud is the chief editorial cartoonist for the daily newspaper Majira. In addition, he works as a presenter on the radio station – Cloud Radio in Dar es Salaam,.