Kenyan singer and actress Judith Nyambura Mwangi, popularly known as Avril, has dismissed the notion of deep-rooted hostility between Kenyan and Tanzanian artists, stating that any tension is more political than cultural, and certainly not driven by musicians themselves.

In a frank discussion on TV47’s Dr Ofweneke Tonight show on Wednesday, September 3, Avril looked back at the golden age of East African music partnerships, remembering the cross-border collaboration with artists such as AY, Profesa J, and Mwana FA.

However, she acknowledged that today’s scene appears more divided, especially with younger generations of artists.

When Dr Ofweneke highlighted the public criticism directed at Tanzanian artist Zuchu, Avril clarified that part of the tension could be traced to previous statements made by Zuchu that were seen as disrespectful to Kenyans.

“In Zuchu’s context, there’s a statement she made sometime back dissing Kenyans, that’s where it came from.”

Nonetheless, Avril highlighted that the entertainment sector itself doesn’t function with hostility: “I was in Kisumu the other day with AY and TID, I’ve never felt there was beef. It’s more like fre-enemies,” she said, playfully.

When questioned if the tension is more pronounced with newer Tanzanian artists, Avril proposed that leadership might have contributed to the unnecessary division.

“It didn’t start with the citizens. It started from the top,” she said, agreeing with Dr Ofweneke’s claim that Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu once referred to Kenyans as ‘viumbe’ (creatures).

Despite these tensions, Avril was quick to affirm that the creative bond between the two countries remains intact.

“In my industry, we feed off each other. I go to Tanzania, and I’m home. I call Wasafi, I call AY, we collaborate. We don’t have the luxury to beef.”