The recent Tanzanian general election has ignited controversy not only in politics but also within the entertainment industry. Several of the nation’s most prominent artists who publicly supported President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s re-election have faced intense backlash from fans and the public. What began as praise for leadership achievements quickly spiraled into accusations of political bias, hypocrisy, and betrayal, placing beloved celebrities at the center of a national storm.
Diamond Platnumz — Deletes Campaign Posts After Uproar
Diamond Platnumz, the Bongo Flava superstar, was among the first major figures to endorse President Suluhu, commending her accomplishments and leadership style. However, when protests and unrest erupted following the election, Diamond swiftly deleted all campaign-related posts from his social media pages. Fans interpreted the move as self-preservation rather than conviction, accusing him of prioritizing his image and business interests over political integrity.
Billnass — Business Destroyed in Political Backlash
Rapper and entrepreneur Billnass faced severe consequences for his visible support of the ruling party. After performing at several of its rallies, his electronics shop in Dar es Salaam was torched by angry protesters in the wake of the post-election chaos. The attack highlighted how celebrity endorsements can fuel resentment in volatile political climates and demonstrated the growing risks for artists who align themselves too closely with power.
Zuchu — Booed After Rally Chant
Zuchu, one of Tanzania’s most celebrated female artists, faced an unexpected backlash when she led a concert crowd in chanting “five more years” — a slogan tied to Suluhu’s campaign. What began as a festive moment turned sour when sections of the audience booed her on stage. The clip quickly went viral, sparking heated debates over the role of entertainers in political discourse and the dangers of blurring art with propaganda.
Alikiba — Accused of Playing Both Sides
Veteran singer Alikiba was accused of double-dealing after he congratulated the president on her victory while allegedly maintaining discreet ties with opposition figures. Many fans accused him of playing both sides to preserve his popularity, resulting in boycott calls and heated exchanges online. His case reflected growing expectations for musicians to remain politically neutral in times of national division.
Nay Wa Mitego — Targeted Despite Neutrality
Even artists who stayed neutral were not spared. Nay Wa Mitego, known for his socially conscious lyrics, found himself targeted by ruling party loyalists who resurfaced his past criticisms of government oppression. Despite his attempts to stay out of the fray, his reputation became collateral damage in the broader political polarization gripping the entertainment scene.
Gospel Trio — Arrested Over Protest Song
A gospel group that released a viral song condemning police brutality during post-election protests was arrested and charged under the Cybercrimes Act. Authorities took down the song from streaming platforms, and the members faced interrogation — a move that sparked national and international concern over freedom of artistic expression in Tanzania.
The Cost of Mixing Art and Politics
The turmoil surrounding Tanzania’s election has revealed the dangerous intersection between art and politics. For many entertainers, what began as expressions of civic pride or loyalty turned into personal and professional crises. The backlash against artists like Diamond, Zuchu, and Billnass underscores the fragile line celebrities walk in politically charged environments — where every endorsement, lyric, or public statement can carry lasting consequences.
