Wasafi Records star Zuchu, formally known as Zuhura Othman Soud, was suspended by Zanzibar from all artistic endeavors for a period of six months after her performance at the Fullmoon Kendwa Night show on February 24, 2024.
The decision was made by the Zanzibar Arts, Census, Film, and Cultural Council (BASSFU) because they felt that several elements of her performance were not fit for Zanzibar’s cultural norms.
Videos of Zuchu’s performance became viral online a week after the performance, which alarmed some Zanzibari residents.
Omar Abdalla Adam, the executive secretary of BASSFU, underlined the council’s dedication to safeguarding Zanzibar’s cultural identity. “The council has the responsibility to oversee the customs, traditions, and culture of Zanzibar, Therefore, we are officially suspending Zuchu from engaging in any artistic activities in Zanzibar for six months, effective today, March 5, 2024.” he said.
Subsequent research showed that Zuchu was not registered with BASSFU and did not have the required licenses to perform in Zanzibar.
She was consequently fined Ksh. 1 million and had to provide a written apology ensuring that she would follow cultural customs in her performances going forward.
As a result, Zuchu’s record company, WCB, released a written and video apology on their official Instagram page. In it, she said that her acts were meant to be entertaining rather than offensive to anyone.
The statement said: “Kwa Wapenzi wetu wa Sanaa, napenda kutumia fursa hii kuwaomba radhi kutokana na maneno niliyoyatumia kwenye kibwagizo ambacho kilileta taharuki kwenye tamasha la Full Moon Party – Kendwa Beach Zanzibar hivi karibuni”.
“Najua kuwa maneno yameleta sintofahamu kwa wengi wenu na kuleta maana hasi kwa jamii na mashabiki zangu kiujumla.
“Nia yangu ilikuwa kuleta burudani njema na furaha kwa mashabiki wangu wote. Si lengo langu kupotosha, kumomonyoa maadili au kuleta taharuki kwa yeyote.
“Ninachukua ahadi leo kufanya kazi na timu yangu ili kuhakikisha matukio kama hayo hayatokei tena kwenye matamasha yajayo. Nawaomba radhi tena kwa jamii na Baraza la Sanaa (BASATA) ambao ndio walezi wangu.”
