Radio host Alex Mwakideu has taken issue with Kenyans who interrupted Tanzanian singer Zuchu’s performance at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, during CHAN finals.
Mwakideu expressed his displeasure after a section of the crowd chose to sing the national anthem while Zuchu was on stage, a move he interpreted as disrespectful both to the artist and to Kenya’s image as a country that values hospitality.
“Zuchu anaimba pale, nyinyi mnaimba national anthem. Inamaanisa nini? Sikupenda. Sikupenda kabisa vile mnavyopeleka Zuchu. Heshima wakenya. Iwe ni mtanzania, iwe ni Uganda, iwe ni mkenya, heshima,” Mwakideu said during his morning radio show on Monday, September 1, 2025.
Respect across borders
Mwakideu defended Zuchu’s presence at the ceremony, reminding critics that local organisers did not invite her arbitrarily. Instead, he explained, the decision was based on data showing Kenyans’ music preferences.
“Acha nikuulize leo hii mnasema wengi wapee. Mlisema kuwa mlitaka wakenya pekee katika fainali, lakini tukienda katika views katika YouTube, mtasema za bongo. Mwatazama za bongo. Pale katika views za kwenyu, wabongo wametamalaki top 10 artists ambao wanatazwa Kenya hii ni watanzania,” he added.
The radio personality argued that organisers simply responded to Kenyans’ own streaming patterns. By examining YouTube statistics, it was clear that Tanzanian bongo artists dominate Kenyan viewership, with Zuchu among the most watched.
“Local organisers waliangalia wakenya mnapenda kina nani wakaangalia, research ya YouTube wakaona wanapenda bongo, wakawaletea Zuchu sasa mnaimba national anthem kwa nini?” he asked.
Mwakideu insisted that whether an artist is from Tanzania, Uganda, or Kenya, respect must always be upheld. According to him, undermining a performer in such a manner not only shows a lack of appreciation but also contradicts Kenya’s reputation as a country that embraces diverse cultures.
The incident has since sparked debate among Kenyans online, with some defending the act as harmless patriotism, while others side with Mwakideu, saying Zuchu deserved better treatment.
As the discussion continues, Mwakideu’s strong words underline a bigger issue in East African entertainment: the balance between national pride and regional cultural exchange. For him, the message of respect should never be compromised, regardless of where an artist comes from.
