Tanzanian music star Zuchu headlined the closing ceremony of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, delivering a high-energy set that included hits like Honey, Amanda, and Sukari.
Sharing the stage with Kenya’s Savara and Uganda’s Eddy Kenzo, the Bongo Flava sensation electrified the packed stadium in a show that blended football and East African music.
But her performance quickly became a talking point online.
While many fans praised her set, others questioned why a Tanzanian artiste was chosen to headline instead of a Kenyan act.
“Of all the artistes, they just chose Zuchu,” one user complained on X, while another posted: “Tunataka Bien buana.”
Not all reactions were critical. Some Kenyans celebrated her talent, with one commenting, “You did an excellent and amazing performance.”
Another fan wrote: “Have never liked you… but I must admit you are very talented.”
A Tanzanian supporter defended her, saying: “TUKIACHA WIVU NA HUSDA HUYU DEMU STAR BANA.”
Unverified reports suggested that sections of the crowd booed and sang the Kenyan national anthem as she took the stage, but these claims remain inconclusive and did not disrupt her performance.
The spotlight also reignited an old controversy Zuchu has long denied, that she vowed never to collaborate with Kenyan artists or perform in the country.
In an interview with Kiss100, the Kwikwi hitmaker dismissed the rumors as “hurtful and baseless.”
“One of the most hateful comments I’ve seen is the claim that I said I was not going to perform in Kenya and that I hate it,” she said, explaining that the story stemmed from a distorted radio interview.
“I knew where it came from — two guys on a radio session discussing it. I was like, who told you that?”
She added that her first reaction was to block those spreading the falsehood but admitted the persistent story has left her disheartened.
“Give me the evidence. I never said that,” she stated.
“The typical me just ignored it, blocked it, and didn’t deal with it. It really breaks my heart because half of my viewers come from Kenya. I truly respect my fans. I don’t respect trolls, I respect my fans.”