Tanzanian 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.
With communication crippled and tensions high, frustrated citizens took to the streets demanding justice, peace, and accountability.
As chaos spread, prominent voices from Tanzania’s entertainment scene finally resurfaced online, posting messages of peace, prayer, and unity.
Diamond Platnumz whose close ties to President Samia have often drawn political scrutiny, wrote, “Mwenyezi Mungu ndio mpanga wa yote…Na hapajatokea jambo pasipo yey kutaka, na kila jambo hutokea kwa sababu…Inshaalla kwa kwenye hili Mungu atujalie sababu yenye baraka kwa taifa letu.”
He prayed for divine intervention and blessings for the troubled nation.
Rayvanny, in his “Sisi Ni Ndugu” post, reminded Tanzanians of their shared heritage and unity, “Sifa ya Watanzania ni Umoja na Upendo TZ. Ni Muhimu Sana kutunza zawadi tuliyopewa na Mungu Toka enzi na enzi,”
Nandy also expressed her condolences to bereaved families, “Natoa pole za dhati kwa familia, ndugu na watanzania wote, mungu wape faraja waliopoteza wapendwa wao. Atupe sote hekima amani na umoja kwa taifa letu katika wakati huu.”
Her tone, like many of her peers, was solemn and prayerful.
Juma Jux posted his own message of hope, “Mungu ibariki Tanzania. P[raying for peace and healing. Mungu awatie nguvu na faraja waathirika wote.”
Meanwhile, Zuchu, who had been notably silent, posted a short yet heartfelt plea, “Ewe Mola, ihifadhi nchi yetu Tanzania, ijalie amani umoja na upendo.”
The celebrity responses come after weeks of mounting criticism. Many fans accused Tanzanian artists of turning a blind eye to the suffering of ordinary citizens, prioritising brand safety and government ties over moral duty.
South African star Sho Madjozi had earlier weighed in, blasting Tanzanian entertainers for what she called “performative patriotism,” remarking that when artists are called to parliament or rewarded financially, they often “forget their duty as mirrors of the nation.”
While some praised the belated statements as a step in the right direction, others dismissed them as damage control. The timing, critics said, only exposed how celebrity activism in Africa often sits uncomfortably between fear and responsibility.