Kenya, Aug. 30 -- Tanzanian Bongo Flava star Zuchu has firmly denied circulating claims that she vowed never to work with Kenyan artists or perform in Kenya, responding with a pointed "Where did I ever say that?" during a recent radio interview on August 29, 2025. The 31-year-old singer, whose real name is Zuhura Othman Soud, addressed the rumours head-on, emphasizing her deep respect for her Kenyan fanbase and dismissing the allegations as baseless misinformation stemming from a misrepresented radio discussion.
Signed to Diamond Platnumz's WCB Wasafi label, Zuchu highlighted how Kenya remains one of her strongest markets, with a significant portion of her streaming audience hailing from the country. This denial by Zuchu of the Kenyan collaboration vow incident has sparked widespread discussions on social media, underscoring the challenges of fake news in the East African music scene and Zuchu's commitment to fostering unity through her art.
The controversy traces back to June 2025, when political tensions between Kenya and Tanzania escalated following criticisms of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan by Kenyan activists, including Boniface Mwangi.
A viral post, falsely attributed to Zuchu, claimed she accused Kenyans of lacking respect and humiliating the president, vowing no future collaborations until an apology was issued. The post, which spread rapidly under the guise of a local news outlet, alleged she said, "Hawana heshima hata kidogo, wamemdharau Rais wetu na kumkejeli vibaya sana," translating to a strong rebuke. This ignited heated online debates, with some Kenyan fans expressing disappointment and calling for a boycott, while others questioned the post's authenticity.
Zuchu's label, WCB Wasafi, quickly issued a statement on labelling the claims as "false and misleading" and aimed at creating unnecessary conflict between the two nations' music industries.
In her radio appearance, Zuchu expressed heartbreak over the rumours, especially as they contradicted her upcoming performance at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 final closing ceremony in Nairobi's Kasarani Stadium on August 30, 2025. She will headline alongside Kenyan artist Savara of Sauti Sol and Ugandan star Eddy Kenzo, an event that promises to celebrate East African unity.
"Give me evidence. I never said that," Zuchu stated, explaining that she typically blocks trolls and ignores hateful comments to focus on her supportive fans. Her decision to ignore the initial wave of negativity, she added, was to avoid engaging with detractors, but the persistence of the story pained her given her genuine affection for Kenyan audiences.
This Zuchu Kenyan rumour clarification comes at a pivotal time, as her hit songs like "Sukari" and "Utaniua" continue to dominate airwaves across the region, amassing over 500 million YouTube views and earning her the title of East Africa's most subscribed female artist. Zuchu's career trajectory exemplifies resilience in the face of online backlash. Hailing from a musical family in Zanzibar, her mother, Khadija Kopa, is a renowned taarab artist. Zuchu auditioned for WCB Wasafi in 2020 and quickly rose to stardom.
Despite past controversies, such as her 2024 suspension in Zanzibar for an allegedly inappropriate performance leading to a six-month ban and a Sh1 million fine, she has consistently apologised and reaffirmed her respect for cultural norms. That incident, involving explicit gestures at a Kendwa beach event, drew criticism from conservative residents, but Zuchu issued a video apology, stating her intent was purely entertainment.
Similarly, in 2022, she addressed a resurfaced video accused of containing a Swahili slur, clarifying any misrepresentation without admitting fault. These episodes highlight her strategy of direct communication to maintain her image as a unifying figure in Bongo Flava.
The fake news surrounding Zuchu denying collaboration with Kenyan artists has broader implications for cross-border collaborations in East Africa. Industry experts note that such rumours can strain relations, potentially affecting event bookings and streaming numbers.
However, Zuchu's proactive response, coupled with her CHAN performance announcement, has turned the narrative positive. Fans from both countries have flooded her social media with supportive messages, praising her for promoting harmony. Her achievements, including being the first East African female artist to reach 100 million Boomplay streams and earning MTV EMA nominations, position her as a trailblazer.
As she prepares for the Nairobi stage, Zuchu's story serves as a reminder of the power of authentic voices in combating misinformation. For those tracking her denial of the Kenyan collaboration vow, this episode reinforces her dedication to her Kenyan supporters and the vibrant East African music ecosystem. As the CHAN final approaches, Zuchu's participation not only dispels the myths but symbolise artistic solidarity, ensuring her legacy as a beloved regional icon endures beyond fleeting scandals.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.