Harmonize Declares MP Bid for Tandahimba, Years After Magufuli's Endorsement

Tanzanian music star Rajab Abdul Kahali, popularly known as Harmonize, has officially declared his intention to vie for the Tandahimba Member of Parliament seat in the upcoming Tanzanian General Election.

Taking to his Instagram account, the award-winning artist revealed his political ambition, stating he is now ready to serve the people of Tandahimba. His announcement comes years after the late President John Pombe Magufuli publicly endorsed him for the same seat.

“Now I’m ready Tandahimba MP kwa masilahi mapana ya Tandahimba. RIP Dr. John Pombe Magufuli, Rais wa awamu ya tano,” Harmonize posted.

The "Kwangwaru" hitmaker went on to reflect on Magufuli’s prophetic endorsement, adding that the current leadership under President Samia Suluhu Hassan has implemented the late president’s development agenda, making it the right time for him to pursue the dream.

“Hakika moyo wako utakuwa na faraja sana... Rais Samia Suluhu Hassan ametekeleza mipango na miradi yenu yooooote na mingine mingi ndani ya muda mchache. Kama taifa tumekubaliana October tuna ✔ chama changu cha Mapinduzi @ccmtanzania kikinipa ridhaa nipo tayari kuikamilisha hii ndoto yako,”he added.

Back in 2020, during a campaign rally for his second term in office, the late President Magufuli publicly lauded Harmonize for his work ethic and encouraged him to consider a political path.

“Lakini nampongeza sana Harmonize. Sijui anatoka jimbo gani huyu? Tandahimba? Mbunge wa kule ni nani? Ningetamani kweli Harmonize aende akagombee kule, akawe Mbunge wa Tandahimba. Kijana ana bidii nzuri sana,” Magufuli said to a cheering crowd.

At the time, Harmonize had been invited to perform at a state function commemorating 20 years since the passing of Tanzania’s founding father, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.

He impressed the President and attendees with a special remix of his hit “Kwangwaru” — renamed “Magufuli” — which praised the late leader and highlighted key achievements of his presidency.

As he sets his sights on Parliament, Harmonize is expected to run under the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), pending official endorsement.