Zari Hassan
Socialite Zari Hassan first gained recognition as a musician in the early days of her fame. The mother of five released several music videos, which are still available on her YouTube channel. However, she eventually decided to step away from the music scene.

For the first time, the businesswoman and reality TV star has opened up about her decision to quit music.

"I was managing the head office, overseeing the satellite campuses, raising my boys, and being someone’s ‘husband.’ At the same time, I had started a singing career, and I had to choose."

She added, "I had to drop the singing and focus on the businesses and the children because it required a lot of traveling."

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Zarinah also revealed that she initially pursued music with hopes of transitioning into acting, rather than out of a passion for singing.

At the time, Zari was in a relationship with the late Ugandan businessman Ivan Semwanga, with whom she was raising their three sons.

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After their split, she moved on with Tanzanian singer Diamond Platnumz, with whom she had two children.

Zari Hassan

Her Marriage to Shakib Cham

Last year, Zari tied the knot with Ugandan businessman Shakib Cham in a private Nikkah ceremony. She later held a wedding reception, selling the exclusive rights to Netflix.

In a recent interview with Mpasho’s Kalondu Musyimi, Zari shared why she chose to marry Shakib.

"Why I decided to make it halal with Shakib (out of all the men I have been with) is because he is a very nice guy. He is someone who makes me feel at home when I am with him. Home is not a building—it’s where you find peace, and that’s what Shakib is."

In August 2024, Zari and Shakib unfollowed each other on social media and deleted photos of each other from their respective accounts.

This came shortly after the couple’s marital issues became public. The fallout began when Zari's ex-lover and baby daddy, Diamond Platnumz, visited her home in South Africa to celebrate their daughter’s birthday.

To prove to Shakib that there was nothing beyond co-parenting, Zari went live on Instagram, addressing the situation. She claimed that her husband was insecure and needed reassurance.

"If my guy doesn't want to recognize who I am, shame! I will definitely find someone who is going to recognize my worth. I am worth so much more."

She further warned him, saying, "Baby, I am not lying—if you're not going to recognize my worth, unfortunately, I'm going to find somebody to replace you."

Shakib Cham and Zari Hassan

Zari also explained that Shakib was upset because he was unaware of Diamond’s visit. However, she clarified that Diamond had made an unannounced appearance as a surprise for their daughter.

"My husband is very insecure, and that is causing a lot of problems. I have to explain myself—I have to do a whole live just to prove a point to my husband," she lamented.

She then addressed Shakib directly, saying, "Go fix yourself, the problem is not with me. Go fix your insecurities, bro."

Zari also asserted that despite being a wealthy and independent woman, she had deliberately chosen to be with Shakib.

"No matter what people say—'Oh, he's broke, he's not good enough'—I chose him, and I don’t care. And yet, he puts me through this? My guy, you better change. You better recognize who I am."

Reconciliation in 2025

Despite their highly publicized fallout, Zari and Shakib reconciled at the start of 2025. The couple has since been spotted together, seemingly putting their differences behind them.