Tanzania is facing widespread protests following the recent presidential election, as thousands of citizens mostly youth take to the streets accusing the government of manipulating results and arresting opposition figures. The unrest has now spilled into the entertainment industry, where several celebrities have found themselves targeted by angry demonstrators. Musicians such as Juma Jux, Billnass, and Shilole have seen their businesses attacked and set on fire by protesters who accuse them of supporting President Samia Suluhu Hassan during her re-election campaign. Juma Jux’s luxury clothing

Tanzania is facing widespread protests following the recent presidential election, as thousands of citizens mostly youth take to the streets accusing the government of manipulating results and arresting opposition figures. The unrest has now spilled into the entertainment industry, where several celebrities have found themselves targeted by angry demonstrators.

Musicians such as Juma Jux, Billnass, and Shilole have seen their businesses attacked and set on fire by protesters who accuse them of supporting President Samia Suluhu Hassan during her re-election campaign. Juma Jux’s luxury clothing store worth around TSh 700 million was destroyed, while Billnass’s electronics shop and Shilole’s restaurant were also burnt down.

"Singer Juma Jux’s luxury boutique worth over TSh 700 million reduced to ashes as protesters target celebrities linked to President Samia Suluhu Hassan."

Amid this tension, Tanzanian music superstar Diamond Platnumz one of Africa’s most influential artists came under fire after publicly declaring his strong support for President Samia. In a heartfelt message posted on social media, he praised her leadership and urged her not to be discouraged by critics.

Diamond Platnumz deletes all campaign photos with President Samia after facing intense online backlash and boycott calls amid Tanzania’s post-election unrest

“My mother Samia, you are a respectful and hardworking president. You have done an incredible job in education, health, agriculture, fishing, and infrastructure. Some people may not understand your work now, but one day they will remember you,” he wrote.

However, following the wave of anti-government protests and online outrage, Diamond deleted all photos and posts in which he appeared campaigning for President Samia. His move came after hashtags such as #BoycottDiamondPlatnumz  flooded social media, calling for fans to shun him for “siding with a repressive government.”

The growing tension highlights how deeply Tanzania’s political crisis has reached into popular culture. What began as an election dispute has turned into a national reckoning—where music, fame, and politics collide, and even the country’s biggest superstar cannot escape the storm.

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