Kenyan digital content creator Nasra Yusuff has revealed that Tanzanian singer Zuchu blocked her on Instagram after she publicly urged Tanzanian artists to speak up about the ongoing political and humanitarian crisis in their country.
Taking to her Instagram Stories, Nasra expressed disappointment but maintained that she stands by her words.
“Tanzanian artists are now speaking, I feel emotional on behalf of their people. We didn’t want much from them, just that they don’t continue with business as usual while mothers are planning funerals for their children.
Zuchu has blocked me. I have always publicly supported her and I understand that the truth hurts, but at least my hard truth has made not only her, but a vast majority of them to speak,” she wrote.
Her remarks come after she earlier called out top Tanzanian musicians, including Diamond Platnumz, Alikiba, Harmonize, Rayvanny, Juma Jux, Nandy, Gigy Money, and Jay Melody, for remaining silent amid reports of killings, arrests, and internet shutdowns following the country’s disputed elections.
In her earlier post directed at Diamond Platnumz, Nasra questioned the timing of his music promotions during such a turbulent period.
“Vijana wanaokuona kama role model wanalia sasa hivi. Wengi wameuawa, wengine wana majeraha ya risasi.
Huwezi kabisa kuzungumza na kuwapa sapoti shabiki zako ambao wamekuwa na wewe siku hizi zote? Unapush nyimbo zako kipindi hiki, zisikizwe na nani haswa? Target audience wanalia,” she wrote passionately.
Addressing the wider Tanzanian entertainment industry, Nasra urged them to use their influence to advocate for justice and human rights.
“Nyinyi mlio na platforms mkinyamaza kipindi kama hiki ambacho watu wenu, vijana wenzenu, mashabiki zenu wanawahitaji, ni nani anafaa kuzungumza kwa niaba yao? Sisi tulio Kenya?? Mnawaangusha sana watu wenu.
Hivi mambo yakirudi sawa, mnatarajia show zenu zitajaa kama kawaida? Amkeni wasanii wa Tanzania, simameni na haki,” she added.
Her statements have since sparked debate online, with many applauding her courage to speak up for ordinary Tanzanians, while others felt she was too harsh on the artists.
Tanzania has recently faced unrest following its election period, with reports of protests, deaths, detentions of opposition figures, and a temporary internet blackout, issues that have drawn regional concern and amplified calls for solidarity from across East Africa.
