Popular Tanzanian singer Zuchu has apologized after authorities in Zanzibar banned her from all artistic activities in the archipelago for six months over a performance deemed inappropriate.
Zuchu’s performance on Zanzibar’s Kendwa Island last month included her sexually explicit words and gestures.
The Zanzibar Arts, Census, Film and Cultural Organization announced on Tuesday that the performance was against the island’s customs, traditions and culture.
Zuchu was also asked to submit a written apology.
In a video posted to Instagram late Tuesday, the musician apologized for the offence caused by his performance.
“The purpose was not to mislead, but to entertain,” she said.
Zuchu, real name Zuhra Osman Saud, is one of East Africa’s most successful musicians.
This 30-year-old is the first musician in East Africa to reach 1 million subscribers on his YouTube in one year.
According to her label WCB Wasafi, she is the first female musician in East Africa and also the fifth artist on the African continent to have her YouTube views surpassing 500 million.