Tanzanian music star Diamond Platnumz has deleted all Instagram posts praising President Samia Suluhu Hassan, following intense public criticism and threats from furious fans who accused him of siding with power over the people.
The celebrated Bongo Flava artiste had, just a day earlier, shared a lengthy message lauding President Suluhu’s leadership as the nation headed to the polls.
In the now-deleted post, Diamond described her as a wise and hardworking leader who had transformed key sectors such as education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure.
He went further to pledge his full support for the president and her running mate, assuring them of his vote and that of his associates.
The post, written in Swahili, ended with warm wishes for her success in the election sentiments that many Tanzanians viewed as being ignorant of the widespread political discontent.
However, instead of receiving praise, Diamond’s tribute was met with lots of anger.
Thousands of Tanzanians flooded his comment section, accusing him of betraying ordinary citizens and ignoring growing concerns about the fairness of the electoral process.
Some went as far as threatening to boycott his music and vandalise his Wasafi Studios if he continued supporting the president.
“You have chosen the side of power instead of the people,” one furious user wrote, echoing the frustration seen across social platforms.
By Thursday night, all traces of the posts had disappeared from his official page which was seen as bowing to pressure.
His once-enthusiastic support for the ruling party had swiftly turned into cautious silence.
Unconfirmed reports emerging on social media states that Diamond, Zuchu and his family have fled the country.
On the other hand, most of the celebrities who were pro-government have gone mute. Many had rallied behind President Samia in the weeks leading up to the election.
Musicians such as Rayvanny, Zuchu, Harmonize, and Ali Kiba, who had previously posted tributes or appeared at pro-government events, have noticeably gone silent online.
Their past posts still remain visible but they haven’t said anything yet, an apparent attempt to distance themselves from the controversy.