Kenyan gospel musician Daddy Owen has urged Tanzanian celebrities to be cautious about getting involved in politically driven campaigns, warning that artists can easily be manipulated to push government narratives during times of national tension.
In a detailed social media post, the Vanity hitmaker said he had observed several Tanzanian public figures sharing their national flag online with similar messages, suggesting an organized communication effort.
He cautioned them to be alert, saying creatives should never be used to “sanitize” political issues or silence calls for justice.
Daddy Owen drew from Kenya’s past, recalling how, after the 2007 post-election crisis, local artists were asked to record “peace songs” to help calm the country.
While some took part out of goodwill, he said many later realized that their music had been used to conceal injustices and shield those responsible for violence and inequality.
“After the 2007 crisis, many of us were approached to record peace songs,” he wrote. “We later discovered we were being used to cover up injustices that continue to this day. Peace without justice is just silence in disguise.”
He noted that many Kenyan musicians and influencers have since changed their approach, choosing to stand with citizens demanding accountability.
“Last year, many of us joined the people in the streets, side by side with our fans, demanding fairness and accountability,” he added, referencing the anti-government protests that rocked parts of Kenya in 2023 and 2024.
While Daddy Owen did not directly name Tanzanian officials, his post appeared to allude to recent tensions in Tanzania following public demonstrations.
He encouraged artists in the region to use their platforms responsibly — not to promote government agendas, but to advocate for truth and justice.
“The injustices and atrocities happening in East Africa must end,” he stated. “It’s time we stand together and be counted, just as our forefathers stood firm to fight for independence.”