At different times he undertook the roles of explorer, guide, merchant, solider, diplomat, judge and governor. He served a total of 8 Sultans during his lifetime and then retired to his home in Stone Town where died in 1905, never having shirked the tasks entrusted to him by his sovereigns.
Katika nyakati tafauti, alifanya kazi kama mvumbuzi, kiongozi, mfanyabiashara, askari mwanadiplomaisa, hakimu na gavana. Aliwatumikia jumla ya Sultani 8 wakati wa maisha yake baadaye akastaafu na kubakia nyumbani kwake katika Mji Mkongwe. Alifariki mwaka 1905 akiwa hakuwahi kuhalifu kazi zote alizopewa na watawala wake.