Zanzibar Arts Council Suspends Tanzanian Artist Zuchu for 6 Months Over Recent Performance Controversy
Written by moradio on 6 March 2024
NAIROBI, Kenya, March 6- The Zanzibar Arts, Census, Film and Cultural Council (BASSFU) has taken action against Tanzanian vocalist Zuchu, imposing a six-month suspension from all artistic engagements in Zanzibar.
BASSFU, responsible for preserving cultural traditions in Zanzibar, made this decision following Zuchu’s performance at the Fullmoon Kendwa Night show on February 24, 2024, footage of which circulated online.
According to BASSFU, their investigation revealed that Zuchu’s performance did not align with Zanzibar’s cultural norms. Executive secretary Omar Abdalla Adam emphasized the council’s role in safeguarding the customs, traditions, and culture of Zanzibar.
“We are officially suspending Zuchu from engaging in any artistic activities in Zanzibar for six months, starting from March 5, 2024,” Abdalla said.
Responding to her suspension, Zuchu, represented by her record label WCB, issued an apology. She shared a video apology on her Instagram page, expressing regret for any negative impact her actions may have caused.
“I would like to use this opportunity to apologise for the words I used in the rhyme that caused chaos at the Full Moon Party Kendwa Beach Zanzibar festival recently. I know that the words have brought confusion to many of you and brought a negative meaning to society and my fans,” she said.
During her performance at the Full Moon Kendwa event, Zuchu allegedly sang dirty lyrics, implying that despite her temporary breakup with Diamond Platnumz, he would not leave her for other women, even those who would go the extra mile to offer him their ‘SIM 2’.
“Huyu kwangu hatoki hata mmpe mku…” she sang.
