Ugandan entrepreneur Shakib Cham has publicly celebrated his wife, socialite and businesswoman Zari Hassan, as she turned 46 on Wednesday, 23 September 2026.
Taking to social media, Shakib asked friends and followers to join him in honoring Zari, describing her warmly as his queen.
"You are not just my wife; you are my peace, my strength, my best friend and the best part of my life. I don't know what I did to deserve you, but I thank God for you every single day."
He closed his tribute with a simple, affectionate line reaffirming his devotion to her.
A relationship that has weathered storms
The birthday message lands against the backdrop of a turbulent few months for the couple.
In June 2026, Zari announced the end of their marriage after five years together, citing irreconcilable differences.
The statement, said to have been signed by both parties, stressed there was no bitterness behind the decision.
They described themselves as valuing the time spent together and the memories they had built, while wishing each other happiness going forward.
Shakib later pushed back on suggestions the marriage was finished, insisting the pair were simply working through issues common to many couples away from the spotlight.
Within weeks, the story took another turn. By mid-July, the pair were spotted together on a getaway in Uganda, sharing playful moments that left fans questioning whether the divorce announcement had ever been final.
From South Africa romance to Netflix wedding
Zari and Shakib's relationship has long attracted attention across East Africa. The pair became an official couple in 2022, following Zari's earlier, high-profile relationship with Tanzanian singer Diamond Platnumz, with whom she shares two children.
They formalized their union in an Islamic Nikah ceremony in Pretoria, South Africa, on 16 April 2023, before holding a lavish white wedding later that year — an event that featured on the Netflix series Young, Famous & African.
Despite periodic strain, including tension linked to Zari's continued co-parenting ties with Diamond, the couple have repeatedly found their way back to one another.
