This archive report was first published on 14 July 2020.
On July 14, 2020, Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli brought together three of the country's most prominent musicians: Diamond Platnumz, Ali Kiba, and Harmonize. The impromptu gathering was a call to unity, with Magufuli urging the artists to put aside their differences and work together.
According to eyewitnesses, Magufuli praised the musicians for their contributions to Tanzanian music and culture, saying, 'I feel good when I see Ali Kiba seated next to Diamond. When you see Harmonize who left Diamond praising him in public, that's the unity I want. I thank you so much and thank you for supporting CCM (Chama Cha Mapinduzi)'.
The call for unity comes at a time when the three musicians have been embroiled in a series of public feuds. Diamond Platnumz and Ali Kiba have been rivals for years, with their fans frequently clashing on social media. Harmonize, who left Diamond's record label WCB to start his own, Konde Gang, has also been at odds with his former mentor.
Despite their differences, the three musicians were seen shaking hands and posing for photos with Magufuli, a move that has been hailed as a positive step towards unity in the Tanzanian music industry.
