Diamond, Nandy, and Other Tanzanian Stars Speak Out for Peace After Deadly Protests

Tanzania’s general elections on October 29, 2025, were overshadowed by unrest as citizens took to the streets to express anger over government policies and perceived unfairness in the political process. What began as a tense electoral season quickly escalated into nationwide protests that left several people dead and many injured.

Before the elections, several of Tanzania’s biggest music stars, including Diamond Platnumz and Nandy, had been openly campaigning for President Samia Suluhu, sharing glowing endorsements on social media. But as the protests erupted and reports of casualties spread, these same artistes found themselves under fire. Many fans accused them of siding with the ruling government and ignoring the plight of ordinary Tanzanians.

As online criticism intensified, some artistes were forced to take drastic steps. Diamond Platnumz cleared his social media of posts endorsing the president, while rapper Billnass deactivated his account altogether after his page was flooded with angry messages. By the time President Samia was officially sworn in on November 3, 2025, the silence of Tanzania’s celebrity community had become a national talking point.

When the backlash grew too loud to ignore, several artistes decided to break their silence, not with politics, but with messages of prayer, peace, and healing.

What Did Diamond Platnumz and Nandy Say About the Protests?

Wasafi Records CEO Diamond Platnumz was the first to speak. Facing days of pressure from fans demanding he take a stand, he turned to faith. In his post, Diamond reflected on God’s sovereignty, reminding Tanzanians that even in moments of suffering, there is divine purpose. “God is the planner of all things, and nothing happens without His will. Everything that happens has a reason. May He grant our nation a great blessing out of this, may He give us more peace than we had before, more love, unity, togetherness, and progress, and may He rest the souls of those who have departed in eternal peace,” he wrote.

Soon after, singer Nandy shared her own heartfelt message. Having faced criticism herself, and with her husband Billnass dealing with personal losses after his shop was looted during the unrest, she chose compassion over silence. “I send my heartfelt condolences to all Tanzanian families who have lost their loved ones. May God comfort them, and may He grant us all wisdom, peace, and unity as a nation during this difficult time,” she said.

How Are Other Tanzanian Artists Promoting Peace and Unity?

Singer Lava Lava joined the chorus for peace on November 4, urging Tanzanians to hold on to faith and love amid national mourning. His brief message captured a deep sense of solidarity: “May God bless Tanzania, bless us all, and give strength to all of us who have lost our brothers and sisters. Amen.”

Zuchu, Diamond’s labelmate and partner, also shared her prayer. Although she turned off comments to escape online hostility, her words resonated with thousands: “Oh Lord, protect our nation. Grant it peace, unity, and love.”

Meanwhile, Rayvanny emphasized the importance of preserving the harmony Tanzania has long been known for. “The pride of Tanzanians is unity and love. It is very important to protect the gift that God has given us since the beginning. I send my condolences to all the families and friends who have lost their loved ones. May God help us through this, and may we continue to live in love and peace because we are all brothers and sisters,” he wrote.

The collective voices of these musicians marked a shift from political endorsement to a call for compassion and national unity. Their words carried emotional weight, especially after a period when silence had created tension between them and their fans.

Across social media, reactions were mixed, some appreciated their efforts to restore calm, while others felt their statements came too late. Yet, the message was clear: Tanzania’s biggest entertainers were stepping forward to use their influence for healing, reflection, and peace.

By Risper Akinyi