The closing ceremony of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) final at Kasarani stadium was meant to be a celebration of African football and culture. However, for Tanzanian songstress Zuchu, her performance took a dramatic and unexpected turn. Despite being one of the most popular artists in East Africa, with a massive following in Kenya, a section of the Kenyan crowd turned hostile, booing her and singing the Kenyan national anthem over her set. The incident has since ignited a fresh debate about the simmering rivalry between the two nations, which has recently found new life on social media.
Videos shared widely online showed Zuchu struggling to be heard as the Kenyan national anthem echoed through the stadium. The heckling was so loud that the singer, known for her vibrant stage presence, was visibly affected, but she managed to push through and finish her performance with a professional demeanor. According to Mozzart Sport Kenya, the booing began as soon as she took the stage, a clear sign that the crowd’s actions were premeditated.
The incident is believed to have stemmed from a recent social media rivalry between Kenya and Tanzania that escalated during CHAN 2024. Fans from both nations have been engaged in a series of online "supremacy jabs," with each side trying to assert its dominance in various fields, including music and sports. Many Kenyans had publicly vowed online to disrupt her set as a form of protest, and they followed through on their promise.
In stark contrast, Kenyan artist Savara received a rapturous welcome from the crowd. His electrifying performance was met with rave reviews, with fans on social media hailing it as proof of Kenya's growing musical dominance. Both Kenyans and Ugandans in the crowd applauded the homegrown star, further highlighting the deep-seated rivalry between the nations and the unity within their respective fan bases.
Ugandan superstar Eddy Kenzo also earned love from across borders. His performance wowed the audience, with fans from all over East Africa showering him with admiration. Some fans even went as far as to call him “the young Mandela” and praised him for putting Uganda firmly on the African music map.
