This archive report was first published on 16 July 2019.
On July 15, 2019, popular bongo actress Irene Uwoya caused a chaotic scene at a media briefing in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Uwoya, who was flanked by other top bongo actors, walked in late for the press conference at Hyatt Regency DSM, where she had convened the media briefing to announce the launch of a new Tanzania movie service called Swahiliflix.
Swahiliflix aims to market and sell bongo movies online, with an official launch set for August 31 at Mlimani City Plaza in Dar es Salaam.
“Tarehe 31 ni siku ya kumbukumbu kwa wasanii sisi bongo movie, haijawahi kutokea hiyo kitu itakayotikea Mlimani City itaweka historia, itakuwa ni red carpet ya funga mwaka. Kwa hiyo ndugu zetu waandishi mjipange hata kwenye kuvaa mjipange. Msituangushe sasa mje masuti nini msije kama hivi tulivyozoea,” Uwoya urged the journalists.
However, the event took a dramatic turn when Uwoya reached out in her handbag, pulled out a bundle of cash, and started throwing it towards the journalists, claiming it was a small incentive to appreciate their support.
“Na nisiwachoshe sana nimewaweka muda mrefu, swahiliflix ni mambo moto lazima tusalimiane na ndugu zetu waandishi wa habari, nawatuza na kitu kidogo.”
Journalists present shoved each other as they scrambled to grab the notes from the air, causing a stampede.
