The much-anticipated CHAN finals at Kasarani Stadium took a dramatic turn when Tanzanian singer Zuchu faced unexpected hostility from Kenyan fans. What was meant to be a glamorous performance quickly turned chaotic, forcing the artist to leave the stage under heavy security escort.
Zuchu, who had been invited to entertain the crowd before the kickoff, stepped onto the stage to cheers from a section of fans. However, the mood quickly shifted when her performance was drowned out by thousands of Kenyans who defiantly broke into the national anthem. The stadium, filled with patriotic energy, erupted in unison, completely overpowering her music.
Chants of “We have our own musicians!” echoed across the arena, as fans accused organizers of sidelining local artists in favor of foreign performers. Many Kenyans on social media also expressed their displeasure, arguing that the finals of such a continental tournament should have celebrated and showcased Kenyan talent.
As tensions escalated, security swiftly intervened to shield Zuchu and guide her out of the venue. Though shaken by the incident, the singer managed to exit safely, avoiding what could have turned into an even more chaotic confrontation.
The incident has since sparked a heated debate across the country, with questions raised about the prioritization of foreign artists at national events. For many Kenyans, the episode was not just about music—it was about national pride, cultural identity, and the recognition of homegrown talent.
At Kasarani, the message from the fans was loud and clear: Kenya has its own stars, and during moments of national significance, it is their voices that should take center stage.
