A wave of online backlash is shaking Tanzania’s entertainment industry, as some of the country’s top music icons — Diamond Platnumz, Harmonize, and Zuchu — experience a steep drop in followers following their public support for President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Since the disputed October 29 general election, frustrated fans have launched a social media protest, unfollowing artists aligned with the ruling government and condemning what they see as celebrity “silence in the face of injustice.”
Harmonize Loses Thousands of Followers
Popular singer Harmonize has suffered a sharp decline in his online fanbase, losing more than 8,000 Instagram followers since the election. The largest drop occurred on November 4 — the day of President Suluhu’s inauguration — when over 5,000 followers unfollowed him within just 24 hours.
The backlash stems from growing anger among Tanzanians who accuse artists of ignoring reports of post-election violence and human rights violations. Fans say entertainers who once spoke for the people have now chosen to side with power. Despite the criticism, Harmonize has remained silent and has not publicly addressed the controversy.
Zuchu Faces Rising Criticism
The unrest has also targeted Zuchu, one of Tanzania’s most celebrated female artists, who has lost more than 6,000 followers since election day. Many accuse her of political bias and failing to speak out amid the political tension.
Zuchu, known for her close association with the president, has attended government functions and shared pro-leadership messages on social media. Her silence during the current crisis has ignited anger among fans who feel betrayed, turning her once-thriving pages into spaces for public dissent and heated political debate.
Diamond Platnumz Hit Hardest
Diamond Platnumz, Africa’s most followed musician, appears to be the worst affected, losing over 100,000 followers in the week following the election. His well-known ties to the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party and frequent participation in government events have fueled perceptions that he has prioritized politics over people.
The timing of his massive follower loss coincided with a nationwide internet blackout that critics allege was used to suppress reports of post-election unrest. Many fans blasted Diamond for his silence during the turmoil, accusing him of ignoring the struggles of ordinary citizens.
Why Fans Are Turning Away
The mass unfollowing underscores a deep public resentment toward celebrities seen as detached from the hardships of ordinary Tanzanians. Leading up to the polls, several artists endoresed President Suluhu and praised her leadership — but these endorsements have now backfired.
To many, the musicians’ political alignment represented a loss of neutrality during a volatile election period. The aftermath illustrates how quickly public sentiment can shift when politics and entertainment collide, reshaping the relationship between stars and their fans.
