Tanzanian songbird Zuchu has confirmed she has finally received her balance following a payment dispute that had cast a shadow over her recent performance in Nairobi.
The WCB Wasafi star, who headlined the August 30, 2025 concert alongside Savara (formerly of Sauti Sol) and Uganda’s BET Award winner Eddy Kenzo, had earlier gone public with frustrations over unpaid dues from the event organizers.
“I want to thank my good people who made sure our message got across to the agency involved with CHAN. I have received my balance. Thank you, we move on now,” Zuchu shared after the matter was resolved.
But while the hitmaker is ready to move on, her experience sheds light on a recurring problem in East Africa’s entertainment industry — artistes not being paid, or payments being delayed after show.
Before receiving her money, Zuchu had penned a strongly worded message expressing disappointment at the delay. She revealed that her team had been in constant communication with LEAP Creative Agency, the company contracted to handle the event, but got no breakthrough.
She further alleged that some of the proof-of-payment documents presented to her management appeared “unverifiable and suspicious.”
“As per our agreement with your agents at LEAP Creative Agency, the full balance for my services was due upon completion of the event. Despite my and my team’s continuous patience and understanding, I had yet to receive the full payment,” she had lamented at the time.
Zuchu’s case is not unique. Across Kenya and the region, many artistes; both established and upcoming, have in the past complained about event organizers failing to honor contracts. Delayed payments, bounced cheques, and endless excuses have become familiar stories, with some performers forced to involve lawyers or take their battles online to pressure promoters.