Several top Tanzanian musicians have spoken out following criticism from Kenyan comedian and influencer Nasra Yusuf, who accused them of remaining silent amid post-election unrest in Tanzania. In a series of Instagram posts, stars including Zuchu, Diamond Platnumz, and Rayvanny shared messages promoting peace, faith, and national unity during a tense political period.
Zuchu’s Prayer for Peace
Singer Zuchu was among the first to respond, posting the Tanzanian flag alongside a heartfelt message calling for calm and divine guidance. She wrote, “Mwenyezi Mungu ndiye mpanga yote, na hapajatokea jambo pasipo yeye kutaka. Na kila jambo hutokea kwa sababu. Na kwenye hili Mwenyezi Mungu atujalie sababu yenye baraka kubwa kwa taifa letu, atujalie amani zaidi ya tuliyokuwa nayo mwanzo. Roho za waliotangulia mahali pema peponi, Amina.”
Her post quickly went viral, interpreted by many as both a prayer for the nation and a subtle response to Nasra’s earlier criticism. Shortly after, Diamond Platnumz — Tanzania’s most followed artist — shared a similar message, reinforcing a collective call for peace and understanding.
Rayvanny’s Message of Solidarity
Rayvanny also joined the conversation, posting the Tanzanian flag with the caption, “Sisi ni ndugu. M.A.P all my people.” Though brief, his words underscored solidarity and unity among Tanzanians during a period marked by tension and grief.
Nasra Yusuf’s Bold Critique
The responses followed a strongly worded post by Nasra Yusuf, who took to Instagram to question why Tanzanian musicians continued to promote music despite reports of violence and killings. Directly addressing Zuchu, she wrote: “Is it that you can’t see what is happening in your country? Why are you pushing your songs while your people are crying? Target audience wameuawa, nani mnataka asikize nyimbo zenu?”
Nasra went further, accusing artists of being “compromised” and “betraying” their fans. She singled out Rayvanny and Diamond Platnumz for failing to speak out, asking the latter: “Yaani bado unaposti nyimbo zako wakati mashabiki zako, wananchi wenzako, vijana wenzio wameuliwa kiasi kile?”
Calls for Unity Over Division
The heated exchange sparked widespread debate across East Africa, with many citizens expressing frustration over what they perceive as celebrity indifference during national crises. In response, Tanzanian artists appeared to shift their focus toward messages of unity, faith, and calm, seeking to reassure the public without engaging directly in political commentary.
A Question of Celebrity Responsibility
The situation highlights the delicate balance that public figures face in moments of unrest. As fans increasingly hold artists accountable for their silence or perceived neutrality, the question of whether entertainers should take political stances continues to divide opinion.
Through their recent statements, Tanzanian musicians emphasized peace and resilience as the nation navigates post-election uncertainty — signaling their intent to foster unity even amid public scrutiny.
