Tanzanian artist Zuchu has been suspended from performing in Zanzibar for six months, effective immediately. This decision comes after the Zanzibar Arts, Census, Film, and Cultural Council (BASSFU) deemed certain aspects of her performance at the Full Moon Kendwa Night concert to be “inconsistent with local cultural norms and social beliefs.”
Executive Secretary Omar Abdalla Adam announced the 6-month suspension on March 5, which was yesterday, citing that the ‘Honey’ hitmaker failed to comply with cultural norms and perform without registering or obtaining the necessary permits that were needed.
She has been fined 1 million and was directed to issue an apology for the same.
Zuchu’s label, Wasafi Records, has, however, complied and issued an official apology, clarifying that her performance was intended for entertainment purposes and not meant to disrespect the people of Zanzibar.
Basically, it was a live performance in which Zuchu was singing a Swahili song that many trolled, saying that she was clearly going against their tradition and culture.
She released a video apologizing for the same, admitting that she never knew she had done wrong, and urging the public to reconsider and forgive her actions and the team that she was with.