Tanzanian singer Zuhurua Othman, alias Zuchu.
Tanzanian singer Zuhura Othman, alias Zuchu, has dimissed as false claims
circulating online that she vowed never to work with Kenyan musicians.
The reports, which spread widely on social media this week,
alleged that the Wasafi Classic Baby (WCB) signee had ruled out any future
collaborations with Kenyan artists.
The viral post, shared under the branding of a local daily,
went further to claim that Zuchu accused Kenyans of disrespecting Tanzanian
President Samia Suluhu Hassan and demanded an apology before she could consider
working with them.
According to the post, Zuchu allegedly remarked: “Hawana
heshima hata kidogo, wamemtharau Rais wetu na kumkejeli vibaya sana (They have
no respect at all and insulted our President).”
The claims triggered heated discussions online, with fans
across Kenya and Tanzania reacting to the alleged remarks.
Some Kenyan social media users expressed disappointment,
while others questioned the authenticity of the post.
On Friday, however, Zuchu’s record label, WCB Wasafi, issued
a statement through Instagram dismissing the allegations as false and
misleading.
The label insisted that Zuchu had never made such comments
and urged the public not to fall for fake news designed to create unnecessary
conflict.
“Zuchu has so much respect for all Kenyan musicians, and
Kenya has always been one of her strongest markets,” the statement read.
WCB emphasized that Zuchu values her Kenyan fans and the
creative partnerships she has enjoyed across the border.
“She has never made such a statement, and it goes against
everything she stands for. Please don’t believe or spread fake stories meant to
create division,” the clarification added.
Zuchu, who is signed under Diamond Platnumz’s Wasafi label,
has steadily risen to become one of the most successful female musicians in
East Africa. Her hit songs have gained massive airplay in Kenya, where she has
also performed to huge crowds.
Industry observers noted that the viral claims had the
potential to strain relations with her Kenyan fanbase and fellow musicians,
something the label moved quickly to avert.
“Zuchu remains committed to making music that unites people, not separates them,” WCB stressed in its statement.
