Tanzania's Music Rivals Unite Behind President, Hire Private Security Amid Post-Election Unrest

Following the intense presidential election campaign, Tanzania's music rivals Diamond Platnumz and Ali Kiba, who have been arch-nemesis for years, have found common ground in supporting President Samia Suluhu. Despite their rivalry, they have both endorsed the incumbent president, with Diamond Platnumz going as far as deleting his campaign messages from social media. As a result, the two artists have hired private security to protect their multimillion-shilling empires, including media houses, recording studios, and palatial homes. The move comes after protesters targeted businesses owned by celebrities who endorsed President Suluhu's election bid, with several properties worth millions being destroyed and looted.

Key Takeaways:

• Diamond Platnumz and Ali Kiba, Tanzania's biggest musical talents, have been forced to unite behind President Samia Suluhu, endorsing her election bid despite their long-standing rivalry.
• The two artists have hired private security to protect their assets, including media houses, recording studios, and palatial homes, worth millions of shillings.
• Multiple sources in Tanzania have revealed that both artists have hired police officers and private security firms to provide round-the-clock protection due to angry protesters targeting businesses owned by celebrities who endorsed President Suluhu.
• The affluence of the Mbezi Beach-Mikocheni corridor, where Diamond Platnumz and Ali Kiba operate their businesses, has insulated them from attacks, but they have opted to err on the side of caution by hiring extra security.
• Ali Kiba has hired police officers to protect his home in the less affluent enclave of Tabata municipality, while Diamond Platnumz has opted to hire extra security for his home in Mbezi Beach.
• Celebrities who endorsed President Suluhu's election bid, including Billnass, Juma Jux, Shilole, and Sharobaro, have borne the brunt of angry protesters who have targeted their businesses, resulting in the destruction and theft of property worth millions.

Statistics:

• Diamond Platnumz owns a 45% stake in Wasafi Media, a record label, radio, and TV station business.
• Juhayna Zaghalulu Ajmy owns a 53% stake in Wasafi Media, while Ali Kahatib Dai owns a 2% stake.
• Wasafi Media's headquarters in Mbezi Beach are worth millions of shillings and are situated just a few kilometers from the Lugalo military camp.
• Ali Kiba co-owns Crown Media with Mohamed Mchengerwa, a government official and President Suluhu's son-in-law.
• The value of property destroyed and looted by protesters targeting businesses owned by celebrities who endorsed President Sulhu is estimated to be in the millions of shillings.

Sources:

• The Nation (no date provided)
• Tanzanian sources (no names provided)