Tanzanian music megastar Diamond Platnumz has sparked widespread speculation after deleting all social media posts that showed his public support for President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.
The move comes at a time when mass protests are spreading across Tanzania, with citizens expressing anger over alleged crackdowns on opposition figures, arrests, and shrinking political freedoms ahead of the 2025 general elections.
Just weeks ago, Diamond had appeared at CCM campaign rallies and government events, performing and praising President Samia’s leadership. Several of those performances were widely shared on Instagram, where the singer boasts millions of followers.
However, in a sudden twist, all such posts and videos have now disappeared from his social media pages — a move fans quickly noticed. Neither Diamond nor his management has issued an official statement explaining the deletion.
Music analysts believe the 34-year-old artist, known for his close ties to government projects, might be distancing himself from the administration amid rising public anger.
Protests in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and other major cities have intensified following reports of opposition leaders being detained and restrictions on political gatherings.
Authorities have imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in several areas and temporarily restricted internet access, making it difficult for citizens to share information online.
Many of Diamond’s fans had criticized him online for supporting the government, accusing him of ignoring the struggles ordinary Tanzanians are facing — including rising costs of living and unemployment.
“Diamond is a voice of the youth. We love him, but he should stand with the people, not power,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter).
Diamond isn’t the only musician caught in the political crossfire.
Fellow Tanzanian stars like Ali Kiba, Harmonize, Zuchu, Nandy, and Rayvanny have also publicly endorsed President Samia through songs, concerts, and social media tributes — efforts once seen as patriotic, but now facing criticism as tensions rise.
Some artists have since gone quiet on politics, fearing backlash from both fans and authorities. A few have reportedly canceled shows due to safety concerns in protest-hit regions.
Insiders in the Tanzanian entertainment industry say Diamond’s social media cleanup might have been a strategic decision to protect his brand, especially as his upcoming international projects depend on global appeal and neutrality.
“He’s a businessman as much as he’s an artist,” said a music promoter in Dar es Salaam. “He knows that politics can divide fans and hurt his image across Africa.”
Others speculate that pressure from the government or sponsors could have influenced the decision.
This isn’t the first time Diamond Platnumz has been linked to politics. In past years, he performed at government functions and even composed songs promoting unity and development under both President Magufuli and President Samia.
But his recent silence marks a clear shift from his once-bold political stance — signaling that Tanzania’s most popular musician may be reconsidering his place in the political conversation.
