Mange Kimambi Warns Tanzanians Against Returning Artists to the Spotlight

Public pressure has intensified after activist Mange Kimambi urged Tanzanians to rethink how they engage with performers who are attempting to return to public relevance. She argued that many artists are pushing to regain attention not to uplift the nation but to benefit financially while the country continues to face deep social and political strain. On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, she stated, “Watanzania nawaita mara 3, msikubali kuwarudisha wasanii mjini. Sasa hivi wanatapatapa kwa kila njia ili warudi kwenye attention za wananchi ili waanze kupiga show tena ili waweze kupata pesa zenu, msiwaruhusu.” She also added, “Mkiwarudisha wasanii kwenye trending ya aina yoyote ile ni kwamba vita ya ukombozi tumeshindwa.”

Her message stressed that artists have long played roles that benefit those in power, often at the expense of ordinary citizens. She argued that giving them renewed visibility would support a pattern where entertainers become tools of influence rather than advocates for the people. According to her, some artists have backed harmful actions and should not be considered voices of society anymore. She said, “Kama tutapata ukombozi kwenye nchi ni lazma hawa waliopambana kuipa uhalali serikali hii, hawa so-called vioo vya jamii waliosapoti utekaji wa wananchi, mauwaji ya wananchi ili wao yao yaende wasipewe nafasi tena.” Kimambi warned that supporting or promoting such entertainers would undermine efforts toward justice and accountability.

Why Does Artist Visibility Matter Right Now?

Kimambi criticised performers for releasing music and promoting entertainment at a moment when, in her view, the nation is in pain. She highlighted recent releases by Nandy and Zuchu as examples of misplaced priorities. “Nimeona juzi Nandy anafanya kibao kata, kweli nchi inavuja damu ila wasanii hawana time ndo kwanza wanafanya vibao kata? Yani Nandy na Zuchu wameonyesha watanzania kuwa maumivu yetu wao hawayahusu, wao wanachojali ni kupata pesa zenu wananchi basi,” she said.

Her concerns also touched on the end of performances that were previously sponsored by the ruling party, CCM. She suggested that with this support gone, artists now turn to citizens for income, raising fears that they could again align with political interests by 2030 if it serves them financially.

How Should Citizens Respond to Entertainment During National Hardship?

Kimambi encouraged Tanzanians to take a more intentional approach to the content they consume and support. She urged the public to step back from entertainers who disregard the country’s struggles and to push for collective action that prioritises justice instead. Her call included campaigns to unfollow pages that promote entertainment she believes distracts from the nation’s challenges.

Throughout her message, she emphasised the importance of remaining focused on the broader liberation movement rather than slipping back into routine consumption of entertainment that, in her view, benefits individuals at the expense of the public.

By Lucky Anyanje