Tamango was a radio voice talent and singer within the 'Shukar Collective' band which fused traditional Romanes and electronic music. The bands music was well received by the critics, but the groups’ success was shortlived. In November 2008, Tamango suffered a massive stroke which left him partially paralised. A year later, Tamango had a second stroke which took everything from him. It took his voice. In his las years he lived with his family in a small house in Valea Plopilor in extreme poverty, depressed, disabled and forgotten.
In 2012 the man who was once an accomplished artist, the Prime minister's advisor on Roma issues and a local hero, passed away in utter anonymity.