Tanzanian Stars Who Have Paid the Price for Supporting Suluhu

During Tanzania’s October 29 general election, several high-profile Bongo Flava stars publicly endorsed President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) candidate.

While their support was meant to celebrate Suluhu’s leadership, it instead sparked anger among sections of the public who accused them of using their influence to push political propaganda.

As unrest and protests followed the controversial election, many artistes found themselves in the crossfire — facing online abuse, vandalism, and even threats to their safety.

Here are some of the most notable musicians who have faced backlash for publicly supporting President Samia Suluhu.

1. Diamond Platnumz – Deleted Posts After Public Backlash

Bongo Flava superstar Diamond Platnumz was among the first major artistes to endorse President Suluhu’s re-election bid.

Diamond had shared a detailed Instagram post praising her achievements in education, agriculture, health, and infrastructure. However, after the election turned chaotic, he quietly deleted all his campaign-related content.

Fans accused him of hypocrisy and questioned his political loyalty. The deletions were widely seen as an attempt to distance himself from the controversy and regain neutrality with his massive fanbase.

2. Billnass – Shop Burned After Supporting Suluhu

Rapper and entrepreneur Billnass, husband to celebrated singer Nandy, openly campaigned for President Suluhu and even performed at several CCM rallies.

But his public support had severe consequences. After the protests, angry demonstrators set his electronics shop, Nenga Tronix, on fire in Dar es Salaam.

Videos shared online showed the shop in flames, with some protesters vowing to target other musicians seen as Suluhu supporters — including Ali Kiba and Diamond Platnumz.

3. Zuchu – Jeered After “Five More Years” Chant

Singer Zuchu, one of the top stars under Wasafi Classic Baby (WCB), faced a harsh reaction from fans after chanting “five more years” — Suluhu’s campaign slogan — during a performance in Mbeya.

READ MORE:Little-Known Facts About Tanzania’s President Samia’s Husband, Children & Rise in Politics

The moment, which was meant to show enthusiasm, backfired spectacularly as sections of the audience booed her. The clip spread widely online, and she was accused of turning music events into political rallies.

4. Alikiba – Accused of Double Standards

Veteran Bongo Flava singer Alikba also found himself on the receiving end of criticism. Although he publicly congratulated President Suluhu after her win, fans accused him of trying to play both sides — being neutral in public while privately supporting CCM.

Some fans went as far as boycotting his music temporarily, saying artistes should remain apolitical in times of national tension.

5. Nay Wa Mitego – Opposed the System, Still Caught in the Storm

Rapper Nay Wa Mitego is known for his protest songs against government oppression, but during the election chaos, he too became a target.

His old criticism of the previous regime was resurfaced, and Suluhu’s supporters accused him of undermining the new leadership.

Even though he hadn’t campaigned for either side, his history of political commentary drew renewed hostility from ruling party loyalists.

6. Gospel Trio – Charged Over Anti-Police Song

A gospel music group that performed the viral protest song Mnatuona Nyani (“You see us as apes”) was charged under Tanzania’s Cybercrimes Act.

The song criticised police brutality and government silence during the unrest. Authorities forced the video offline, and the singers were questioned, adding to concerns over artistic freedom in Tanzania.

The Bigger Picture

The 2025 elections have shown that for Tanzanian musicians, taking political sides can be a double-edged sword.