Tanzanian musician Diamond Platnumz has removed all recent videos from his social media platforms, including Instagram, where he appeared to support and endorse President Samia Suluhu and her CCM Party.

The content, which included performances from President Samia Suluhu’s recent campaigns and CCM Party tours, was taken down amid growing tension and anti-Suluhu protests in Tanzania.

The protests, which have been sparked by President Suluhu’s sustained crackdown on opposition figures, including arrests, disappearances, and legal barriers, have narrowed the political space ahead of the vote. Diamond Platnumz had faced mass criticism for endorsing President Suluhu’s government and campaigns for re-election for a fresh term.

The chaos in Tanzania has led to an indefinite dusk-to-dawn curfew in Dar es Salaam and the internet being switched off for millions of Tanzanians. Notably, Diamond Platnumz is not the only musician to have supported President Suluhu’s re-election bid. Other prominent Tanzanian artists, including Ali Kiba, Harmonize, Nandy, Zuchu, and Rayvanny, have also publicly endorsed the president, praising her leadership qualities and development initiatives.

Their endorsements, made through songs, freestyles, or heartfelt messages, have transformed the election conversation online, with campaign slogans turning into dance challenges and fan wars. However, the level of celebrity support for Suluhu’s re-election bid has been unprecedented in Tanzanian politics, with analysts suggesting that it could influence young voters.

The situation in Tanzania remains volatile, with reports of human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings. The government’s response to the protests and the internet shutdown has raised concerns about the state of democracy and freedom in the country.

In recent developments, Tanzanian Minister Innocent Bashungwa has urged authorities to take action against citizens sharing foreign social media content that criticizes President Samia Suluhu, emphasizing that even if the content originates from a foreign country, Tanzanians who share it domestically bear responsibility and disrupt national peace. This move has sparked further controversy and raised questions about freedom of speech and government control in Tanzania.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the protests and the demands of its citizens, and what implications this will have for Tanzania’s democracy and stability.