Marioo Postpones New Music & Distances Himself from Pro-Samia Artists

Tanzanian Bongo Flava musician Marioo has announced the postponement of a planned music project. The artist, whose real name is Omary Mwanga, announced via a post on his Instagram Story on Saturday, 8 November 2025.

His decision comes amid widespread political tension in Tanzania following the recent disputed general election. The country is grappling with reports of deaths and arrests after protests.

A Promise Deferred

Marioo had previously promised fans a new song project. The planned release was scheduled for this week, starting on 8 November. However, the musician stated that the current sombre atmosphere made a release inappropriate.

“Kabla ya kila kitu Niliaihidi kutoa Ngoma Week ya Kwanza ya Mwezi huu ambayo ilikuwa ndo leo tar8 lakini Baada ya kila kitu kutokea Nimehairisha,” he wrote in Swahili.

The post essentially translates to: “Before everything, I had promised to release a song the first week of this month, which was today, the 8th. But after everything that has happened, I have postponed [the release].”

An Unofficial Stance

Marioo’s post also included a carefully worded paragraph that appeared to distance himself from a controversial group of Tanzanian artists.

This group has faced public fury for their vocal support of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).

Marioo stated: “Ila Trust Me Hii ndo nilikuwa naenda Kuwaambia wasanii wenu kwamba Nawahishimu tu ila Musical kwa time hii Hakuna anayeweza Kusogelea huu Moto na Katika Wale KENGE MIMI SIPO.”

ALSO READ: Zuchu, Diamond, and Harmonize Among Artists Losing Followers After Supporting Samia Suluhu

“Trust Me: This is what I was going to tell your artists, that I respect them, but musically at this time, no one can come near this ‘fire’ and I am NOT among those 'KENGE' [a term used to mean 'idiots' or 'fools'].”

This statement is being widely interpreted as a clear attempt by the musician to avoid being associated with artists who backed the incumbent leader.

Mourning and the Music Industry

Marioo’s decision reflects the deep crisis gripping the Tanzanian arts community. Several prominent artists, including Diamond Platnumz and Zuchu, have faced intense criticism.

This public anger stems from their high-profile political endorsements in the run-up to the October 29 poll.

The election results, which saw President Hassan declared the winner with over 97 per cent of the vote, have been condemned by the main opposition. They cite widespread irregularities.

• The main opposition party, Chadema, has claimed that security forces killed more than 1,000 people in crackdowns on subsequent protests.
• Authorities have denied these figures but have confirmed numerous arrests. Hundreds have been charged with treason—a crime that can carry the death penalty.

Marioo concluded his story with a message of condolence, paying respects to those who have died: “Mungu azilaze Mahala pema roho za Marehemu wote peponi” (May God rest the souls of all the deceased in a good place in paradise).

The Cost of Endorsement

The current climate has seen artists who aligned with the ruling party suffer significant social media losses and even physical attacks.

READ MORE: Political U-Turn: Diamond Platnumz Praises Samia Suluhu After Deleting Endorsement

For example, reports indicate that some stars lost over 100,000 Instagram followers immediately following their political activism.

Marioo’s move to pause his release and issue a neutral statement appears to be a strategy to navigate the dangerous political waters.

The post ensures his audience understands his respect for the national tragedy and his refusal to be placed among the politically aligned music figures.