Tanzanian Bongo star Zuchu has slammed Kenyans for the onslaught on Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu, vowing not to work with artists from the country, amid rising diplomatic and public tensions between the two East African neighbours.
Her remarks, come in the wake of a diplomatic row sparked by the deportation of six Kenyans who had travelled to Tanzania to attend the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. The incident triggered online uproar, with social media users from both countries clashing over the move.
Zuchu, a songmaker signed under the Wasafi label, has come out to strongly defend President Suluhu stating that she is defending the country and has Tanzania's interests at heart.
The Sukari hitmaker, accused Kenyans of being disrespectful to the Tanzanian President, through online trolls, name calling, AI generated images and tainting her public image.
Zuchu, stated that she currently cannot work with any artist from their East African neighbours, unless they (Kenyans) apologise to President Suluhu.
Zuchu shared "I cannot do colabo with Kenyans because hawana heshima hata kidogo,wamemtharau Rais wetu na kumkejeli vibaya sana lazima waombe msamaha ndio twende njia moja na wao, lakini sasa hivi nimekataa la hasha!" she stated.
Simply translating to, "Kenyans have disrespected Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu. I cannot do a collabo with a Kenyan artist, unless they apologise to our President so that we can work together, but for now, I can't collaborate with them."
Her remarks come days after fellow Tanzanian Bongo artist Harmonize alias Konde Boy urged Kenyans to respect President Samia Suluhu.
The Bongo star, said that Tanzanians have never been disrespectful to Kenyan President William Ruto, calling upon his fanbase to extend the same treatment to Ms. suluhu.
He noted that most of his musical fans are from Kenya, urging his fanbase to refrain from portraying President Suluhu in negative publicity.
"Wakenya tafadhali mheshimu Rais wetu. Sisi kama Watanzania hatujawahi hata kwa siku moja kumdhalilisha au kumkosea heshima Rais wenu kwa sababu tunaiheshimu nchi yenu."
Simply translates to, "Kenyans please show some respect to our president because as Tanzanians we have never disrespected your President not even once".
" Tafadhali onesheni heshima kwa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania chini ya uongozi wa Mama Samia Suluhu. Acheni kuposti picha za kejeli mtandaoni zinazomkosea heshima kwa sababu ya kujitokeza kutetea na kulinda nchi yetu. Nawaambia haya kama msanii wenu mpendwa wa Bongo Fleva kwa sababu zaidi ya nusu ya mashabiki wangu wanatoka Kenya. Tafadhali, muacheni Mama Samia apumue. Heshima ni ya msingi!" he added.
Meaning, "Please show some respect to the Republic of Tanzania under President Suluhu’s leadership. Stop posting inappropriate pictures on social media to taint the President's image for standing up and fighting for Tanzanians. I'm telling you this as your beloved bongo artist, half of my fans are Kenyans, please leave president Samia alone"
