Daddy Owen Slams Tanzanian Celebrities for Silence Amid Post-Election Violence

Kenyan gospel musician Daddy Owen has called out Tanzanian celebrities for staying silent while young people are being killed in the wake of post-election violence in Tanzania.

In a strongly worded social media video, the “Vanity” hitmaker accused artists and influencers of failing to use their voices during a critical moment, urging East African creatives to rise above fear and political manipulation.

“It’s time for the youth to rise and take the rightful place in leadership,” Owen said. “If we truly want to beat the political class and transform this nation with fresh, bold ideas, we must participate on every front on social media, in the streets when it matters, and most importantly, at the ballot box.”

The award-winning musician said young people must stop idolizing politicians and realize that the so-called political elite are no different from ordinary citizens.

“Let’s be honest, these so-called politicians don’t hold anything special… Many of them are products of privilege: sons and daughters of former presidents, vice presidents, prime ministers, and powerful politicians. Others are the same faces that have looted, lied, and destroyed the dreams of millions. They are not better than the young man from the village or the lady from the hood or the boda boda rider who dares to dream of leadership,” he added.

Owen also defended creatives who choose to enter politics, saying entertainers have as much right to lead as anyone else.

“I will never despise anyone who steps forward to run for office — whether you’re a musician, a comedian, an influencer, a DJ, dancer or even a boda boda rider. Don’t let anyone mock your ambition. When they call you ‘just a comedian’ or ‘just an entertainer,’ wear it proudly, because they fear your courage more than your title,” he said.

The singer emphasized that unity among young people is essential if real change is to happen, warning that the political class thrives on division.

“The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing,” he said. “Rise up. Organize. Participate. Speak. Protest. Vote. The time for change is now and it begins with you. Ingia kwa debe!”

Standing with Tanzania

In another Instagram post, Daddy Owen sent condolences to Tanzanians affected by the violence, saying peace cannot exist without justice.

“To our brothers and sisters in Tanzania, my heartfelt condolences to all who’ve lost their lives. True peace can never exist without justice. Let no artist or influencer be used to sanitize oppression,” he wrote.

He urged East Africans to stand together in solidarity, recalling how their ancestors once united to fight for independence.

“It’s time for East Africa to stand together and demand justice, just as our forefathers once stood for freedom,” he added.

Warning to Tanzanian Celebrities

The singer later questioned the recent surge of Tanzanian celebrities posting the national flag with identical messages online, suggesting it may have been a coordinated move.

“I’ve noticed Tanzanian celebrities slowly coming out, posting their national flag with the same message, only worded differently, almost as if they were directed to do so,” he wrote.

Owen compared the situation to Kenya’s post-election crisis in 2007, recalling how some Kenyan artists were pressured to produce “peace songs” that he believes were later used to cover up injustices.

“Even after the 2007 crisis, many of us were approached to record peace songs. Some agreed, others didn’t. We were encouraged to call for peace, yet deep down, we later discovered that we were being used to cover up injustices that continue to this day. Peace without justice is just silence in disguise,” he wrote.

Owen said many Kenyan creatives regretted being used and that’s why, in recent years, they have taken a stand alongside ordinary citizens in demanding accountability.

“No Tanzanian celebrity should allow themselves to be used to sanitize what happened in their country a few days ago,” he warned. “The injustices and atrocities happening in East Africa must end.”

He concluded with a powerful message of unity and resistance:

“Just as our forefathers stood firm to fight for independence, we too must fight for justice and freedom in our time.”