Musician Baba Levo, best known for his affiliation with Diamond Platnumz’s Wasafi Records, has officially thrown his hat into the political ring by announcing his candidacy for the Kigoma Urban parliamentary seat. His high-profile campaign launch drew widespread attention — not only for its celebrity backing but also for a heated exchange about his English proficiency that quickly stole the spotlight.
Star-Studded Campaign Launch
Baba Levo’s launch event featured performances from Zuchu and D Voice, who electrified the crowd in support of their fellow entertainer-turned-politician. The rally also included a Q&A session where constituents directly questioned the aspiring MP on issues affecting the Kigoma Urban constituency, including infrastructure challenges and water shortages.
The English Question
Amid the discussion, one participant asked Baba Levo about his ability to handle parliamentary proceedings, many of which involve laws written in English. The question implied that his language skills might not be sufficient to represent the people effectively. The crowd erupted in anticipation of his response.
Baba Levo, visibly irritated, defended himself by citing his international travels. “How do you know I don’t understand English?” he asked in Swahili. “I have travelled alone to nine countries. How would I manage that if I were mute? I know English by listening and reading.” He assured his supporters that critics would eventually hear him speaking English in parliament, but stressed that Kiswahili remains the official language of Tanzania’s legislature. He urged the public to focus on pressing issues like poor roads and clean water access instead of his language skills.
Netizens React
The exchange sparked a wave of online debate. Some criticized him for dodging the question, accusing him of being defensive. Others argued that English fluency should not determine leadership ability in Tanzania, where Kiswahili is the dominant language. Supporters rallied behind him, saying communication in parliament does not require English, while detractors suggested his reaction revealed insecurity.
Entertainers and English Scrutiny
The incident revived comparisons with other Tanzanian celebrities. Diamond Platnumz, Baba Levo’s longtime associate, once faced embarrassment in Europe after struggling with simple English questions during a street interview. That moment went viral, drawing both ridicule and defense from fans who argued that talent and leadership should not be judged by language proficiency.
Focus on Kigoma’s Real Issues
For Baba Levo, the controversy adds intrigue to his political journey. While debates about his English skills may persist online, his campaign is expected to focus on infrastructure development, water access, and improving livelihoods in Kigoma Urban. With elections scheduled for late October, the musician-turned-politician faces the challenge of proving that he possesses not only the vision but also the communication skills to represent his constituents effectively.
