Musician Bien-Aimé Alusa Baraza, popularly known as Bien, has advised his counterpart Diamond Platnumz from Tanzania that openly showing allegiance to a political party is a risky move for celebrities.
Speaking on a live podcast this week, the My Enemies Are Suffering hitmaker explained that artists, in general, should be cautious when it comes to politics.
Bien noted that performing for politicians or at their rallies is fine, but the problem comes when an artist consistently reveals how they intend to vote or openly pushes a certain political agenda as if they are part of it.
He said that although Diamond made his political moves during the recent elections, he should have avoided openly supporting President Samia Suluhu and, instead, aligned himself with the people who have been his greatest supporters in music.
“Not just Diamond alone. All of us in the media and entertainment industry need to be careful about what we do and say. My advice is that it is wiser to stay quiet, stay away, or- when unsure – side with the people, not politicians or their money,” he stated.
The top Kenyan performer, however, added that people might eventually forget Diamond’s recent political missteps and move on, although such chances are rare.
Singer Diamond and Harmonize were heavily criticized across East Africa for openly supporting CCM during the just-concluded general elections, in which President Samia Suluhu was declared the winner despite widespread controversy surrounding the entire process.
During the election, several citizens reportedly lost their lives while protesting her(Suluhu) questionable campaigns and victory.
Bien emphasized that his friend Diamond is a major figure in East Africa – especially in Tanzania- and should recognize that his influence comes from the people, not the government.