A growing wave of online backlash is sweeping across Tanzania’s entertainment industry, targeting popular musicians perceived to have aligned themselves with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government.
According to Plug TV Kenya through their Instagram page , several top artists, including Harmonize, Zuchu, and Diamond Platnumz, have experienced significant losses in their Instagram followings since the disputed October 29 election.
Harmonize Loses Over 8,000 Followers
Data from Plug TV Kenya indicates that Tanzanian singer Harmonize has lost more than 8,000 Instagram followers since the October 29 general election, as tensions continue to rise across the country.
The steepest decline reportedly occurred on November 4 — the day of President Suluhu’s inauguration — when the Kwangwaru hitmaker lost approximately 5,470 followers in a single day.
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Harmonize, known for his energetic performances and strong fan base in East Africa, has not publicly addressed the sudden drop.
However, observers note that many of those unfollowing him cite frustration with artists perceived as endorsing or remaining silent on alleged post-election violence and suppression of dissent.
Zuchu Faces Similar Backlash
The backlash has also extended to Zuchu, one of Tanzania’s most prominent female musicians and a member of Diamond Platnumz’s WCB Wasafi label.
According to the data, the artist has lost at least 6,715 followers since October 29, when nationwide protests erupted following the announcement of the election results.
Zuchu, who has previously expressed open support for President Samia Suluhu Hassan, is now facing increasing criticism from citizens who accuse her and other entertainers of ignoring reports of human rights abuses.
Her once-thriving social media presence has reportedly become another reflection of the public’s growing anger toward artists viewed as close to the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.
Diamond Platnumz Hit Hardest
Music superstar Diamond Platnumz appears to have experienced the most substantial loss. Reports show that between October 30 and November5 , the Jeje singer lost over 100,000 Instagram followers.
The mass unfollowing came shortly after a five-day internet blackout that followed the election, which opposition groups claim was used to suppress information about post-election violence.
Diamond, one of Tanzania’s most influential cultural figures, has long been associated with the CCM party and has previously performed at government events.
His silence amid the ongoing unrest has led to widespread criticism online, with many Tanzanians accusing him and other high-profile entertainers of failing to speak out against alleged killings of government critics.
Why the Backlash?
In the months leading up to the October 29, 2025 election, prominent Tanzanian musicians openly endorsed President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), despite evidence of growing public disquiet.
Artists such as Diamond Platnumz encouraged citizens to vote for her, describing her as a “hard-working” leader and urging the electorate to stand behind her.
Similarly, Harmonize revealed that he was praying for her victory and highlighted his support at CCM rallies.These public endorsements came at a time when many ordinary Tanzanians were expressing concern over the political process and the absence of meaningful opposition.
The artists’ alignment with the ruling party marked a clear stance which, in the eyes of critics and a segment of the public, placed them on one side of a deeply polarised national moment.
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