Tanzanian rapper Billnass has gone completely off the radar after angry protestors torched his electronics shop, Nenga Tronix, in Dar es Salaam.
The artist, whose real name is William Lyimo, deactivated his Instagram account shortly after videos of his store engulfed in flames went viral online. Fans who rushed to check on him were met with “User not found,” sparking speculation about his safety and state of mind.
According to eyewitnesses, chaos broke out when protestors stormed the area and allegedly found T-shirts inside the shop bearing slogans praising President Samia Suluhu Hassan, whom critics have controversially dubbed the “female dictator.”
Enraged demonstrators reportedly used the same shirts to fuel the fire that reduced the shop to ashes.
Billnass, known for his open support of the ruling party and frequent appearances at government events, has found himself at the centre of a political firestorm.
What began as a simple business venture has now turned into a symbol of public anger over celebrity involvement in politics.
Nenga Tronix was one of Billnass’s proudest investments, a tech store he launched to encourage young Tanzanians to explore entrepreneurship beyond the entertainment industry.
Sources close to him reveal that the rapper is devastated by the loss and has chosen to stay offline to process the incident and the online backlash that followed.
Reactions across social media have been sharply divided. While some fans have condemned the attack as “uncalled for,” others argue that public figures should remain neutral during political turmoil.
As Billnass goes offline, other Tanzania celebrities including Diamond Platnumz, his wife Zuchu, Rayvanny, Juma Juxx among many others have resurfaced online after severe bashing for supporting president Samia Suluhu and ignoring the plight of Tanzania protestors.
The entertainers have broken their silence after days of public pressure and backlash, following Kenyan comedienne Nasra Yusuff’s fiery criticism over their quietness amid the country’s ongoing political turmoil.
The unrest erupted after President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s disputed re-election, triggering nationwide protests, an internet blackout, and a dusk-to-dawn curfew.