Tanzanian gospel singer Bahati Bukuku has criticised fellow gospel artiste Joel Lwaga over his collaboration with Bongo Flava star Diamond Platnumz.
Bukuku says she would not personally undertake such a partnership.
Lwaga and Diamond recently teamed up on Nikumbuke, a prayer-themed song centered on prayer and asking God to remember those who are going through different struggles in life.
Speaking during an interview on East Africa Radio on Thursday September 24 2026, Bukuku said she did not believe gospel and secular music could be brought together in such a way.
“Sidhani kama nuru na giza zinaenda sawa siwezi fanya hivyo, mimi kwangu haipo labda kwa watu wengine,” she said.
Waraka wa Amani hit maker however clarified that she was speaking from her personal spiritual convictions and was not condemning other artistes for making different choices.
“Mimi sina mtazamo, aitazame mtu mwenyewe anayeamua, kila mtu ako na maamuzi yake, kila mtu ako na mtazamo wake. Kwa mimi mtazamo wangu mimi kwangu haipo, haiwezi tokea,” she added. “Mimi nina mtazamo wa kiroho.”
Her comments have put the spotlight on Lwaga, who has built a name in Tanzania’s gospel scene through songs including; Mifupani, Nivushe, Mimi Ni Wa Juu, Wanitazama, Usipigane and Ngome.
Bukuku, meanwhile, is one of Tanzania’s veteran gospel voices, with her career associated with hits such as Waraka wa Amani, a song that has remained among her best-known works.
Bukuku has over the years maintained a strong gospel identity.
Lwaga and Diamond released Nikumbuke on September 23, with Lwaga later celebrating its reception after it crossed 500,000 YouTube views in less than 24 hours after it’s release.