Nairobi – A night meant to celebrate football and culture ended on a sour note for Tanzanian singer Zuchu, who faced boos during her performance at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 closing ceremony.
The star, born Zuhura Othman, took the stage at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium on Saturday, 30 August, ahead of the final between Morocco and Madagascar. But her set was quickly interrupted when parts of the Kenyan crowd began to jeer and sing the national anthem over her voice.
Videos widely shared online captured the uncomfortable moment, showing Zuchu struggling to be heard. Kenyan sports outlet Mozzart Sport noted: “A section of the Kasarani crowd booed Tanzanian songbird Zuchu as she took the stage ahead of the CHAN final kickoff.”
Despite the heckling, the singer, dressed in a bold green feathered top and a straw-inspired skirt, pressed on and completed her performance.
The reaction appeared linked to an ongoing online rivalry between Kenyan and Tanzanian fans, which intensified during the tournament. In the days leading up to the final, some Kenyan supporters had openly promised on social media to disrupt her appearance.
Still, the night was not short of celebration. Kenyan artist Savara, performing after Zuchu, was met with thunderous applause. Social media quickly lit up with praise.
“Savara’s performance was lit 🎉 Congratulations to 254,” one fan wrote on X. Another added: “Well done King, you did us proud.”
Ugandan star Eddy Kenzo also won the crowd’s affection, with fans across East Africa hailing him for his powerful stage presence. “We Kenyans love Ugandans so much. Much respect Eddy Kenzo,” one supporter posted. Others went further, calling him “the young Mandela” of music.
The contrasting receptions underscored the complex mix of national pride and regional rivalry that often colours major sporting events in East Africa.
For Zuchu, it was a reminder of how deeply those rivalries can spill beyond the pitch. For Savara and Kenzo, it was a night of triumph before a continent-wide audience.
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