Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Zambia has reaffirmed its intention to remain a key stakeholder in Tanzania’s transport and logistics sector, saying the strong cooperation between the two countries has delivered tangible economic benefits to their citizens and to the Southern African region.

The statement was made by Zambia’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Mr Fredrick Mwalusaka, during the launch of a new container-handling machine acquired by Zambian Cargo and Logistics Limited (ZCL). The equipment will be deployed at the company’s Mukuba Centre offices at the Port of Dar es Salaam.

Speaking at the launch over the weekend, Mr Mwalusaka said the investment aims to increase cargo-handling capacity and reflects the determination of Zambian investors to strengthen the transport sector in Southern Africa and across the continent. He noted that the expansion of ZCL’s operations in Tanzania also signifies the deepening of the long-standing bilateral cooperation between the two countries, which Zambia is committed to further enhancing for their mutual benefit.

Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Transport, Mr David Kihenzile, who attended the event, said the Tanzanian government is continuing to upgrade the transport sector to better serve Zambia and Africa at large. He outlined ongoing improvements, including the expansion of berths at the Port of Dar es Salaam, the construction of the new Bagamoyo Port, the extension of the standard gauge railway (SGR) network, and the upgrading of key road infrastructure.

“Our government is determined to make the transport sector the backbone of the national economy, which is why we are investing heavily in critical infrastructure,” Mr Kihenzile said. He added that the Port of Dar es Salaam currently has 12 berths, with plans to increase the number to 22 and expand fuel storage facilities.

Mr Kihenzile also spoke about the revival of the Tazara Railway, saying the objective is to enable it to transport up to five million tonnes of cargo annually, a level that has never been achieved since its construction. Earlier, in his welcoming remarks, ZCL Chief Executive Officer Mr Vyonsi Manda said the company has benefited from strong cooperation from the governments of Tanzania and Zambia, as well as from its workforce, describing this support as the foundation of its success.

He said ZCL has recorded steady growth in recent years, noting that five years ago the company handled 15,000 containers annually, a figure that has since risen to 50,000. “With the acquisition of this new machine, we are confident that the number of containers handled each year will increase to 70,000, bringing us closer to our long-term target of handling 200,000 containers within the next 15 years,” Mr Manda said. Representatives from other institutions present at the launch, including the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) and the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (Tasac), pledged continued cooperation to ensure mutual benefits for both Zambia and Tanzania.

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Dar es Salaam. Ardhi University has committed to allocating land and supporting facilities at its main Dar es Salaam campus to develop the Chinese Professional and Technical Skills Training Centre.

The university shared its commitment recently during the launch of an Ardhi University campus initiative in Dar es Salaam. The initiative was jointly established by Ardhi University, China’s Chongqing Vocational Institute of Engineering (CQVIE), and the Chinese construction firm Group Six International Ltd to promote talent development and industrial upgrading in Tanzania.

The major cooperation programme injects fresh momentum into efforts to nurture and develop skills among Tanzanians, marking a significant step forward for the country in engineering education and international collaboration. The new centre will focus on Tanzania’s urgent needs in construction, engineering, and emerging industries by integrating Chinese language instruction with engineering-related vocational training, thereby equipping young people with improved language proficiency and practical technical skills.

The event was attended by Ardhi University Vice-Chancellor Prof Evaristo Liwa, CQVIE Vice-President Liu Ming, and Group Six International Ltd chairman Huang Zaisheng, alongside representatives from all three parties. In his speech, Prof Liwa emphasised that the Luban Workshop has become a model of TanzaniaChina cooperation in vocational education, helping to foster a large pool of practice-oriented technical personnel.

“Ardhi University will allocate dedicated land and supporting facilities at its main campus in Dar es Salaam to further develop the Chinese Professional and Technical Skills Training Centre. This will be done while expanding the scope and depth of cooperation to strengthen the tripartite partnership,” he said.

CQVIE Vice-President and President Liu noted that the Luban Workshop has established a strong platform for vocational education exchange between China and Tanzania. “The establishment of the new training centre would further promote innovation in talent development and create additional opportunities for Tanzanian youth,” he said.

Group Six International Ltd Chairman Huang said the company will continue to support the upgrading of the Luban Workshop and the construction of the new training centre, working closely with both universities to accelerate the implementation of the TanzaniaChina Engineering Technology Institute. The three parties conducted an internal assessment focusing on the planning of teaching spaces, curriculum development, enhancement of teachers’ capacities, and improvement of facilities, laying a solid foundation for the next phase of cooperation.

As a key initiative under the Belt and Road framework, the centre is expected to train high-calibre talent with advanced engineering skills, provide strong human resource support for modern industrial development in Tanzania, and contribute to the country’s high-quality economic and social development. .

Lagos. Nigeria’s richest man Aliko Dangote escalated his fight with regulators on Sunday, accusing them of enabling cheap fuel imports that threaten local refineries.

Nigeria is Africa’s biggest oil producer but relies heavily on imports and Dangote’s refinery was meant to change that. Dangote said if imports continue unchecked, they will threaten jobs, investment and energy security.

Speaking at his 650,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery in Lagos, Dangote said imports were being used “to checkmate domestic potential”, creating jobs abroad while Nigeria struggles to industrialise. “You don’t use imports to checkmate domestic potential,” he told reporters.

Dangote called for an official inquiry into Farouk Ahmed, head of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, citing concerns over his management of the sector and allegations of private expenditures exceeding legitimate earnings. Ahmed did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but he has previously said Dangote refinery wants a monopoly on petroleum products sales, but the refinery’s output can not meet local demand.

Last month, the regulator urged the president to drop plans to ban imports of refined petroleum products because local output cannot meet the national demand of 55 million litres daily. Dangote disputes this, saying the regulator was distorting the refinery’s actual capacity by reporting offtake statistics instead of the true production data.

The refinery, designed to end Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel and save billions in foreign exchange, says it has been unable to secure all the required crude it needs because the regulator has failed to implement a rule that guarantees crude supply to local refiners before exports Dangote said the refinery imports 100 million barrels of crude oil annually — a figure expected to double after expansion of the refinery and limited domestic supply. Despite these hurdles, Dangote vowed to continue with expansion plans for the facility and safeguard his investment, which he said is “too big to fail”.

He also reiterated plans to list the company on the local stock market and pay dividends in U.S.

dollars so “every Nigerian can own a piece of the economy.” Nigeria, Africa’s top oil producer, has long depended on imports due to mothballed state refineries.

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Dar es Salaam. As M23 rebels from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) take control of the border town of Uvira, 52 refugees have crossed into Tanzania’s Kigoma Region, where they are currently undergoing security screening by state authorities.

Uvira, now under the control of the M23 rebels, serves as the administrative capital of South Kivu Province. The town lies in eastern DRC and borders Tanzania through Lake Tanganyika.

The journey from Uvira to Kigoma is short, with water transport costing approximately Sh15,000. Speaking to The Citizen on Sunday, December 14, 2025, the Kigoma Regional Commissioner, Ambassador Simon Sirro, said the region is fully prepared to address any security threats arising from the situation. He confirmed that security surveillance and border patrols have been intensified, particularly along Lake Tanganyika, to safeguard residents as authorities question the 52 refugees who fled the unrest.

Ambassador Sirro said preparations began immediately after reports emerged that Uvira had fallen under rebel control, with the government working closely with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). “We have been prepared from the outset.

We share a water border with the DRC through Lake Tanganyika, and we have already held discussions with UNHCR,” said Sirro, a retired Inspector General of Police. He added that defence and security organs, including the Police Force, have been reinforced and are conducting round-the-clock patrols, including operations aimed at preventing crime and armed robbery on the lake.

The 52 refugees received from the DRC are being interviewed to verify their status before being handed over to UNHCR for transfer to designated refugee camps. “We are continuing with interviews to establish whether they are genuine refugees before further steps are taken,” he said.

Sirro warned that the government remains alert to the risk of individuals entering the country with weapons by blending in with civilians. On the general security situation, Sirro assured residents that Kigoma Region remains calm and directed security committees from the village, ward and district levels up to the regional level to discharge their duties diligently.

He urged citizens to remain vigilant and report immediately any unfamiliar individuals or suspicious activities. “Security is the responsibility of every Tanzanian,” he said, adding that the government will continue to take all necessary measures to protect peace, citizens and their property.

Challenges facing Tanzanian driversAs Sirro issued the security update, Tanzania’s Ambassador to the DRC, Said Mshana, addressed serious security challenges facing Tanzanian drivers working in the conflict-hit areas. The newspaper shared with him a video circulating on social media showing a Tanzanian driver in Uvira lamenting the deteriorating security situation, with gunfire clearly audible in the background.

Ambassador Mshana said eastern DRC is vast and that the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu continue to face severe insecurity. Some areas are under the control of armed groups, including M23, AFC and ADF, exposing travellers and traders to grave danger.

“We consistently provide guidance to drivers and their employers, urging them to take maximum precautions when travelling in these areas,” he said. He stressed the importance of drivers understanding the security situation of their intended destinations to avoid harm caused by rebel groups.

Mshana advised that any driver encountering difficulties should immediately contact relatives or employers to facilitate communication with the embassy. He emphasised the need to know the driver’s phone number, exact location and distance from the border to enable swift intervention.

He explained that such information allows the embassy to coordinate with neighbouring countries, including Burundi or Rwanda, to secure safe and timely assistance for affected Tanzanian citizens. Since the outbreak of violence, he said, many Tanzanians have been assisted through diplomatic cooperation.

“Just recently, after being contacted, I coordinated with the Tanzanian embassy in Kigali, which helped our citizens cross from Bukavu back to Tanzania through Rwanda,” he said. .

Moshi. The Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Adolf Mkenda, has said he is aware of reports circulating on social media regarding the arrest of a lecturer from the University of Dodoma (UDOM), noting that preliminary information indicates the arrest was related to actions undertaken outside the university, not within the institution.

Reports circulated on social media earlier Saturday, December 13, 2025 claimed that the unnamed lecturer was arrested by police for allegedly inciting students he was teaching on December 8 to participate in demonstrations on December 9, Independence Day. Speaking to The Citizen’s sister paper, Mwananchi on Saturday, December 13, Prof Mkenda said that upon seeing the reports trending online, he contacted relevant authorities to establish their accuracy, adding that the matter is being handled by the responsible authorities.

“I have seen the information circulating on social media about the lecturer being arrested for the reasons being mentioned. I spoke with the Minister for Home Affairs, who said the matter is under investigation.

However, preliminary information suggests that the lecturer was arrested due to actions carried out outside the university, not within the institution,” said Prof Mkenda. He said that lecturers enjoy academic freedom while teaching, provided they adhere to professional standards and ethical conduct, adding that police involvement in classroom teaching is neither expected nor acceptable.

“In principle, lecturers have the freedom to teach, but this must be exercised in line with professionalism and academic ethics. It is not the case that police can enter classrooms to monitor what is being taught.

If a lecturer departs from professional or ethical standards, there are internal administrative procedures within universities to address such matters,” he said. Prof Mkenda further noted that universities have established leadership and governance structures to deal with misconduct, including heads of departments, deputy vice chancellors, faculty deans and senates.

“We do not expect police to be involved in supervising how teaching is conducted in our classrooms. That would be taking matters too far.

Such a situation does not exist,” he said. Prof Mkenda further noted that universities have established leadership and governance structures to deal with misconduct, including heads of departments, deputy vice chancellors, faculty deans and senates.

“We do not expect police to be involved in supervising how teaching is conducted in our classrooms. That would be taking matters too far.

Such a situation does not exist,” he said. He reiterated that lecturers have a responsibility to teach in accordance with professional principles, ethics and competence, stressing that any breach of conduct should be addressed through existing university administrative mechanisms rather than law enforcement intervention.

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Lindi. The government is planning to establish a National Agricultural Extension Services Agency to improve the efficiency and reach of farm advisory services by allowing extension officers to serve farmers directly, without lengthy bureaucratic procedures.

The Minister for Agriculture, Mr Daniel Chongolo, said the proposed agency would ensure farmers receive timely, professional guidance from extension officers, helping to raise productivity and support self-reliance in the sector. Speaking on Saturday, December 13, 2025, during the launch of Sustainable Production Guidelines for sesame and legumes, Mr Chongolo said the agency is expected to be operational by 2026. “The government plans to establish the Agricultural Extension Services Agency by 2026 so that it operates independently, similar to TARURA and RUWASA, and delivers quality services to farmers when they seek extension support,” he said.

He noted that extension services are currently delivered through local government authorities, a structure that often requires farmers to navigate lengthy administrative procedures before accessing assistance. “The need for a dedicated agency has become clear, to enable farmers to receive efficient and timely services directly from extension officers,” Mr Chongolo said, urging officers to promote optimal land use and the production of high-yield crops to drive agricultural growth.

Meanwhile, Lindi Regional Commissioner Ms Zainab Telack called on extension officers to intensify farmer education to improve productivity and strengthen agricultural value chains. She said the government-provided agricultural inputs had played a significant role in boosting crop production and raising farmers’ incomes at household, regional and national levels.

“The inputs provided by the government have contributed to increased production and improved incomes for farmers,” she said. An agricultural extension officer from Ruangwa District, Mr Jerome Stephano, welcomed the initiative, saying the establishment of the agency would enhance the delivery of quality agricultural education and improve productivity across the sector.

“The government has taken an important step. This agency will help farmers access better guidance, raise productivity and accelerate development in agriculture,” he said.

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Dodoma. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has called on newly appointed ministers and Members of Parliament to emulate former minister Jenister Mhagama, praising her patriotism, dedication and commitment to public service.

President Hassan made the remarks on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Kiwanja cha Ndege Catholic Church in Dodoma while offering condolences to mourners during the funeral service of the late Mhagama. According to a statement issued by the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr Baraka Leonard, Mhagama died on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital after suffering a sudden cardiac condition.

President Hassan said as the nation continues to mourn Mhagama, it is important to reflect on the values and exemplary life she led. “Members of Parliament and ministers, especially the new ones, should not hesitate to follow in her footsteps.

Life and development do not require political ideologies. As we remember her today, let us also remember her smile and her deep concern for the national interest,” President Hassan said.

She added that Tanzania’s national strength had been shaped, in part, by the contribution of the late Mhagama, describing her as dependable and versatile. “I used to call her a ‘patch’ because wherever I assigned her, she fitted perfectly.

That is why she holds a unique record of serving as secretary to MPs while also being a chief whip, executing all her duties diligently,” she said. Paying a personal tribute, President Hassan added: “My younger sister Jenister, you fought a good fight and finished the race.

On behalf of all of us, united in one spirit, we pray that Almighty God grants your soul eternal rest. Amen.

” The President also noted that Mhagama used her background in teaching to mentor others and commended her performance during the period she worked under her office. Vice President Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi said Mhagama’s public service record was exemplary, adding that the people of Peramiho had nothing to fault her for.

Dr Nchimbi said he wished MPs and councillors would emulate her dedication to serving citizens and loving their country. “We come into this world to serve others.

Let us strive to be good examples in the positions we hold, because even when Jenister was a minister, she never stopped serving the underprivileged people of Peramiho,” he said. Earlier, the parish priest of Kiwanja cha Ndege Catholic Church, Father Emmanuel Mtambo, said that beyond her government and political roles, Mhagama was a devoted servant of the church.

Speaking during his homily, Father Mtambo said the late leader was exemplary in service, tithing and charity, often supporting the needy quietly without seeking recognition. “On many occasions she would send her driver to deliver offerings, but she insisted that no public announcement be made, and we respected her wish,” he said.

Father Mtambo revealed that the vestment he wore while leading the service had been purchased by Mhagama, who ordered it from Kenya. He added that she also supported the construction of church towers and statues, including a large statue of the Virgin Mary at the church entrance, all done voluntarily.

Mhagama’s eldest son, Victor Mhagama, described his mother as a principled leader and a religious mentor within the family. He said she was a true patriot, raised in a politically conscious environment by her mother, who once served as the first chairperson of the CCM Women’s Wing (UWT) in Ruvuma Region.

He added that his mother strongly believed in hard work and patriotism, values she consistently upheld in her service to the nation and the people of Peramiho. .

Dar es Salaam. The Dar es Salaam Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (Dawasa) on Sunday, December 14, 2025, issued a detailed water supply schedule for areas facing water shortages across the city, confirming the resumption of distribution from the Kimara and Tegeta A water tanks.

In an official statement, Dawasa announced that water was released today from the Kimara tank to serve Ubungo, Magufuli Hostel, Mlimani City, Mwenge, Kijitonyama, Kinondoni, Sinza A, Sinza C, Makumbusho, Mwananyamala, Masaki, Mikocheni, Msasani, Aga Khan Hospital, the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), Upanga, and the central business district. The authority further stated that areas supplied from the Tegeta A tank today include Madawa, Nike, Magufuli, Makiriri, Kwa Bedui, Goba Health Centre, Deezy, Goba Mpakani, Madale, Mvumoni, Kulangwa, Tumaini, Lalata, Goba Wine, Kibao cha Mbuzi, Matosa Lilian Kibo, Tegeta A Junction, Uzaramoni, Binamu Mpwawa, and Maingi Primary School in Tegeta A.

Dawasa said the schedule is part of ongoing emergency measures to ensure reliable and equitable water distribution to affected residents. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian music star Harmonize has taken to his official Instagram page to address rising tensions within the local music scene, where fans have been fiercely debating artistes’ roles and responsibilities.

His remarks follow a wave of online criticism and fan-driven disengagement that industry insiders warn is placing significant strain on the creative sector. In the video, the Furaha hitmaker called for unity and restraint, saying: “This is not the time to look for someone to blame.

” He noted that the nation has been navigating an unprecedented situation since October 29, describing recent events as unexpected and unlike anything previously experienced. “I feel we have reached a point as a nation that we have never seen before.

As artistes, apologising is fine, but sometimes it is better simply to stay quiet,” he said. The Konde Gang CEO added that fans’ expectations for milestones such as major industry investment or Grammy-level recognition require collective effort and significant financial backing.

He stressed that, at present, the government remains the sector’s largest supporter. “I’ve been paid It doesn’t matter how I supported the government.

Fans, you want shows, you want Grammys Cool investments, international collaborations — all that needs money, and there are no shows from promoters. The number one promoter is the government,” he said.

Addressing the ongoing backlash, Harmonize said he does not blame fans and is ready to rebuild if necessary, just as he did at the start of his career. “If someone says they won’t come to a show or listen to your music, I take it easy because the situation was confusing — even for me.

I let them talk, give it time, and things will cool down. What happened has happened, and everyone has learnt something,” said the Single Again hitmaker.

He also shared personal reflections, revealing that he once aspired to become a footballer and grew up in a deeply religious family. His bond with fans, he said, remains central to his career.

“If you decide not to attend my events, it’s okay I could be with my family now, but because of you, I am here. I try to look different for you I even tattooed my face for you.

I will start over — it’s okay.” Harmonize’s comments come amid a growing standoff between artistes and audiences after the October 29 “curfew” incident, which sparked protests and nationwide debate on political and social issues.

Since then, fan boycotts targeting artistes who remained silent during key events have gained momentum. Some musicians have fuelled tensions further by telling fans “to stop complaining and start work”.

Meanwhile, Majizzo (Francis Ciza), CEO of EFM and TVE, has warned that prolonged fan disengagement threatens the entire creative ecosystem, affecting videographers, dancers, sound engineers and other industry workers. Concerts, releases and major events have already been scaled back or postponed due to what insiders describe as unpredictable fan behaviour.

Fans insist artistes must be accountable and use their platforms responsibly, especially during times of national hardship. Some have questioned why prominent musicians have not taken clearer public positions on issues affecting ordinary citizens.

As debate intensifies, the music industry stands at a crossroads. While artistes like Harmonize call for reflection and solidarity, and industry stakeholders caution against deeper division, many fans continue to demand greater accountability from the very figures they helped elevate.

Whether the current tension can transition into constructive dialogue remains a pressing question for Tanzania’s creative community. .

Despite how the year ends, Tanzania’s creative industry has always pulsed with energy, imagination, and cultural pride. 2025 marked another year when the country’s talent not only captured national attention but also commanded global recognition.

From music and fashion to pageantry and celebrity culture, Tanzanian creatives proved that local talent can achieve global relevance without losing its cultural essence. A star-studded beginning: Trace Music Awards in Zanzibar The year kicked off with a continental spotlight as Zanzibar hosted the prestigious Trace Music Awards on February 26, transforming the island into the epicentre of African music culture.

The event brought together top artists from across the continent, celebrating the diversity and vibrancy of Afro-urban sounds, spanning Afrobeats, Bongo Flava, amapiano, and hip-hop. Tanzania shone brightly on home soil.

Diamond Platnumz reaffirmed his international appeal by winning Best Global African Artist, triumphing over stiff competition from stars such as Burna Boy and Asake, cementing his status as one of Africa’s most influential performers. Zuchu received the Zanzibar Award for her growing impact on the country’s music scene, while Nandy was crowned Best Tanzanian Artist, celebrating her consistent chart success and artistic influence.

The awards also honoured talent from across Africa, with artists like Rema and Tyla picking up major wins, reflecting the event’s truly continental scope. Zanzibar’s staging of the Trace Awards showcased breathtaking performances while solidifying East Africa’s rising influence in the global music landscape.

A year without Miss Tanzania but a global stage for beauty queens Although there was no Miss Tanzania pageant in 2025 and Tanzania did not participate in Miss World, the country’s presence in international pageantry remained strong. Tanzanian beauty queens carried the national flag with pride and made remarkable impressions abroad.

Crowned at a vibrant national final in Dar es Salaam, Beatrice Alex represented Tanzania at Miss Grand International 2025 in Thailand, standing out among dozens of contestants with her confidence, elegance, and cultural authenticity. Tanzanian representatives advanced into top segments of the competition, showcasing the nation’s beauty, discipline, and rich cultural identity on a global platform.

On August 23, Naisae Yona was crowned Miss Universe Tanzania 2025. Her advocacy for women’s economic empowerment, community work, and intellectual depth made her one of the year’s most celebrated cultural figures. At the Miss Universe 2025 finale in Thailand, Naisae captivated global audiences, highlighting Tanzanian culture and modern womanhood.

Together, Beatrice Alex and Naisae Yona demonstrated that even without participation in some of the world’s biggest pageants, Tanzania’s beauty queens continued to shine internationally, showcasing the nation’s cultural richness, ambition, and global relevance. Celebrity weddings that captured the nation Tanzania’s celebrity culture flourished in 2025 with weddings that dominated social media timelines.

In February, former Yanga SC midfielder Stephane Aziz Ki married model and entrepreneur Hamisa Mobetto in a multi-day celebration blending tradition with modern luxury. From the dowry event to the Nikah at Nnuur Mosque and a glittering reception at SuperDome, the wedding captivated fans nationwide.

April brought a cross-cultural union as Bongo Flava star Juma Jux wed Nigerian influencer Priscilla Ojo. Celebrations in Dar es Salaam and Lagos showcased African glamour at its finest, with celebrity guests, trending fashion moments, and extravagant set-ups.

In March, viral photos of Diamond Platnumz and Zuchu in Islamic wedding attire fuelled rumours of a private Nikah. Though the couple offered little confirmation, the visuals dominated continental gossip pages.

Harmonize reinvents himself May marked a dramatic shift for Harmonize, as all artistes under his label Konde Music Worldwide, including long-time signee Ibraah departed. Free from label pressures, Harmonize rebuilt his sound, explored deeper themes, and emerged with renewed creativity, proving resilience can be a platform for innovation.

Abby Chams makes BET history On May 8, Abby Chams became the first solo female artist from East Africa nominated for BET’s Best New International Act. Her participation in the June 9 ceremony inspired young East African creatives and signalled growing global acceptance of Tanzanian music.

Diamond Platnumz at Paris Fashion Week June saw Diamond Platnumz walk the runway for Adidas Originals Willy Chavarria SS26 at Paris Fashion Week. His confident performance and fusion of African and global streetwear influences, positioned him as a multi-talented creative force straddling music, fashion, and cultural branding.

Rayvanny breaks records in India In August, Rayvanny released “Oh Mama! Tetema” featuring Indian superstar Nora Fatehi. The track went eight times gold in India, making Rayvanny the first Tanzanian and African, artiste to earn such certification.

It was a major cultural crossover moment, highlighting Bongo Flava’s worldwide appeal. Stadium moments: Zuchu, Mbosso deliver iconic performances Zuchu electrified the CHAN 2024 closing ceremony in Nairobi, sharing the stage with Eddy Kenzo and Savara.

Later in the year, she headlined Yanga Day, where her dynamic performance and elaborate production earned her the distinction of being the highest-paid performer in the event’s history, a milestone for female artists in Tanzania. Meanwhile, Mbosso captivated crowds at Simba Day, thrilling fans with his choreography, vocals, and stage presence.

Media outlets hailed his performance as one of the best in the history of the event, cementing his status as one of the country’s top entertainers. Bongo Flava earns Grammy Consideration In October, Tanzanian artists including AY, Harmonize, Abby Chams, and Fid Q submitted tracks for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards.

AY’s “Simuoni”, Harmonize’s “Me Too”, and Fid Q’s collaborations demonstrated technical excellence and genre innovation, placing Tanzania firmly on the international music radar. Stadiums, runways, global pageants and award shows, 2025 was a year of remarkable achievement.

Tanzania’s creatives dominated conversations, inspired continental admiration, and pushed the boundaries of what local talent can achieve. .