Marioo Distancing Himself from Pro-Samia Artists and Delays New Music
This fire is too big for art.
Marioo, a Bongo Flava musician from Tanzania, has revealed that a planned music project has been put on hold. On Saturday, November 8, 2025, the artist, whose real name is Omary Mwanga, made the announcement on his Instagram Story.
His choice was made in the midst of Tanzania’s recent contentious general election, which has caused a great deal of political unrest. Reports of protest-related arrests and fatalities are plaguing the nation.
A Postponed Promise
A new song project was something Marioo had previously promised his followers. This week, beginning on November 8, was the planned release date. But according to the musician, a release seemed improper given the somber atmosphere at the moment.
He wrote in Swahili, “Kabla ya kila kitu Niliaihidi kutoa Ngoma Week ya Kwanza ya Mwezi huu ambayo ilikuwa ndo leo tar8 lakini Baada ya kila kitu kutokea Nimehairisha.”
“Before everything, I had promised to release a song the first week of this month, which was today, the 8th,” is the post’s basic translation. However, I have delayed [the release] in light of all that has transpired.
An Informal Position
Additionally, Marioo’s article had a well-crafted statement that seemed to disassociate himself from a contentious group of Tanzanian musicians.
This group’s outspoken backing of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party has angered the people.
“Ila Trust Me Hii ndo nilikuwa naenda Kuwaambia wasanii wenu kwamba Nawahishimu tu ila Musical kwa time hii Hakuna anayeweza Kusogelea huu Moto na Katika Wale KENGE MIMI SIPO,” Marioo said.
“Trust Me: I was going to tell your artists that I appreciate them, but that right now, no one can approach this ‘fire’ musically, and I am not one of those ‘KENGE’ [a phrase used to denote ‘idiots’ or ‘fools’].”
Many people believe that this comment is an obvious attempt on the part of the musician to distance themselves from other musicians who supported the current leader.
Music Industry and Mourning
The profound crisis engulfing Tanzania’s arts scene is reflected in Marioo’s choice. Zuchu and Diamond Platnumz are two well-known artists who have drawn harsh criticism.
Their prominent political endorsements in the lead-up to the poll on October 29 are the cause of this widespread outrage.
The main opposition has denounced the election results, which saw President Hassan declared the victor with more than 97% of the vote. They point to pervasive anomalies.
Security forces have reportedly killed over 1,000 people during crackdowns on subsequent protests, according to Chadema, the major opposition party.
Although they have confirmed many arrests, authorities have refuted these numbers. Treason is a crime that carries a death sentence, and hundreds have been charged with it.
With the words, “Mungu azilaze Mahala pema roho za Marehemu wote peponi” (May God rest the souls of all the deceased in a good spot in paradise), Marioo paid tribute to the deceased and ended his story.
The Endorsement Cost
Artists who support the ruling party have experienced severe social media losses and even physical assaults in the current environment.
Some celebrities, for instance, reportedly lost over 100,000 Instagram followers just after becoming politically active.
Marioo’s decision to postpone his release and make an unbiased statement seems to be a tactic to negotiate the perilous political landscape.
The post makes sure his followers know that he respects the national tragedy and that he does not want to be categorized with other musicians who share his political views.
