Tanzanian rapper Billnass has deleted his Instagram account after protesters allegedly torched down his electronics shop, Nenga Tronix, amid growing backlash against celebrities who have shown open support for President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The destruction of his business and subsequent disappearance from social media come as the country grapples with widespread unrest following the October 2025 general elections.
Shop Destroyed Amid Widespread Protests
Videos circulating online show Billnass’s store, Nenga Tronix, engulfed in flames as smoke filled the sky while bystanders watched helplessly.
Although the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, many social media users linked it to the ongoing anti-government protests that have swept across several Tanzanian cities.
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Shortly after the incident, Billnass’s verified Instagram page, which had millions of followers, became inactive, returning a “user not found” message.
The rapper has not issued any official statement regarding the fire or his social media deactivation.
Billnass’s Public Support for President Samia Suluhu
Before the protests erupted, Billnass was among a number of Tanzanian entertainers who had publicly endorsed President Samia Suluhu and her ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).
During the campaign period, the rapper shared multiple posts on Facebook and Instagram featuring Suluhu’s campaign posters and photos of himself wearing CCM colors.
His captions often praised the president’s leadership and urged Tanzanians to support her bid for re-election.
However, following the election results and the violence that ensued, these posts drew sharp criticism from sections of the public who accused him — and other artists — of being insensitive to the suffering of ordinary citizens.
Some fans alleged that by aligning with the government, the artists had turned their backs on the youth who helped build their careers.
Growing Backlash Against Tanzanian Influencers
Billnass’s experience mirrors that of several prominent Tanzanian entertainers who have come under intense scrutiny since the election.
Artists such as Diamond Platnumz, Zuchu, and Rayvanny have also faced online backlash for promoting their music or praising President Suluhu while protests intensified across the country.
Social media users, including comedian Nasra Yussuf, have publicly called out artists for remaining silent as young people took to the streets to demand political change. Many accused them of prioritizing career interests and financial stability over moral responsibility.
In response, some musicians have deleted political posts or temporarily gone offline — a move many interpret as a form of damage control amid mounting public anger.
Protests and Political Division
The October 2025 general election in Tanzania has been one of the most contentious in recent years, with opposition groups alleging electoral malpractice.
Protests erupted in major cities including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Mwanza, leading to reports of casualties, arrests, and property destruction.
Amid the chaos, public figures perceived as government sympathizers have become targets of online criticism — and in some cases, real-world retaliation, as seen with the attack on Billnass’s store.
For artists like Billnass, who once leveraged their influence to engage in national issues, the current environment serves as a stark reminder that politics and popularity rarely coexist without consequence.
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