The double-edged sword of celebrity politics in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam. Political analysts have voiced concerns about the growing use of artistes as crowd-pullers during political rallies, cautioning that while this tactic draws large audiences, it risks overshadowing the substance of political discourse.

In Tanzanian politics, the use of artists as crowd pullers has a long history, but it gained significant traction around 2005. Prior to that, political parties relied on local entertainment bands to engage and entertain crowds during their rallies.

At that time, entertainment was a standard part of political gatherings, but it did not have the same impact as it does today. Starting in 2010, the use of artistes, especially from the bongo flavour genre, surged, with 2015 marking a notable increase in this trend.

After the 2015 general elections, artistes were not only used during campaign seasons but also appeared at various political events.

Politicians began travelling with artists to their rallies, incorporating live performances as a way to attract large audiences and engage young voters. This practice led to a scenario where artistes became known as political “crowd pullers,” using their fame to draw significant numbers to political events.

While this approach has the advantage of attracting a diverse audience, it has also raised concerns among political analysts who warn that it may overshadow critical political discourse.

Speaking to The Citizen, a political analyst at the Open University of Tanzania, Dr Revocatus Kabobe, describes the role of entertainment in political rallies as both powerful and problematic.

He explains that celebrities are often used by politicians to pull crowds, leveraging their popularity to reach audiences that may not otherwise engage with political events.

“What we see are performances that entertain but have little to do with the political agenda,” says Dr Kabobe.

He notes that while these artists successfully draw large numbers of people, the performances they deliver are usually unrelated to the manifestos being presented.

“It’s almost like a distraction,” he remarks, emphasising that politicians should be careful to ensure that entertainment does not overshadow the political message they aim to convey.

Dr Kabobe points to the increasing trend of artists crossing over into politics, noting examples such as musicians Joseph Haule (Professor Jay) and Joseph Mbilinyi (Sugu), who have transitioned from entertainment to political careers.

According to Dr Kabobe, these individuals use their fame to appeal to voters who may not be politically engaged, but this phenomenon raises concerns about whether voters are supporting these artistes for their political ideas or simply because of their celebrity status.

“Celebrities bring their fan base into the political space, but that doesn’t mean people leave with a better understanding of the policies being discussed,” he says.

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With similar concerns, a political scientist from the University of Dodoma (UDOM), Dr Paul Loisulie, compared the use of entertainment in political campaigns to marijuana, a substance that temporarily excites people but ultimately distracts them from reality.

He argues that the entertainment provided at political rallies, particularly through music and comedy, is often irrelevant to the political content being promoted.

“The art being used has no connection to the political agenda being sold to the electorate,” Dr Paul asserts, adding that this tactic may create excitement but does little to promote informed political participation.

He calls for a review of how entertainment is used in political events, suggesting that while it can attract voters, it should not replace meaningful political engagement.

In contrast, another political analyst from the University of Dar es Salaam, Dr Onesmo Kyauke, takes a more positive view of the role of artists in politics.

He emphasises the importance of artists in helping politicians reach younger voters, a demographic that is often disengaged from traditional political activities.

“Many young people find political rallies boring or irrelevant, but when artists are involved, they become more interested in attending,” he explains.

He acknowledges that without the involvement of artists, many young voters might not participate in political events at all. By drawing younger crowds, artistes provide politicians with an opportunity to connect with a crucial segment of the population.

However, Dr Kyauke also cautions that the excitement surrounding artists can sometimes detract from the serious discussions that should be taking place.

“Politicians must ensure that the platform created by these artistes is used to promote key issues, such as employment, education, and healthcare,” he says.

While the involvement of artists can help bring young people into the political fold, Dr Kyauke believes that politicians need to use this opportunity wisely, ensuring that voters leave political events with a clear understanding of the issues at hand, not just entertained.

Another political analyst from SUZA, Prof Makame Ali Ussi, emphasises the dual role of artistes in political settings.

He notes that the strategic use of artists significantly aids politicians in drawing large crowds to political rallies and events. This tactic not only enhances the atmosphere but also creates a perception of widespread acceptance and popularity among the community.

“This strategy is politically advantageous because it utilises propaganda to showcase support,” he explains, underscoring how the presence of well-known figures can influence public perception and rally enthusiasm for political agendas.

However, Prof Ussi also warns that the involvement of artistes can lead to unintended distractions.

“Artistes often participate as part of their professional commitments, which may divert attention from critical political issues that need addressing,” he adds.

While the charisma and appeal of artists can draw in diverse audiences, it is crucial that politicians do not lose sight of the substantive discussions that need to occur during these gatherings.

According to him, engaging the public through entertainment should not overshadow the essential dialogues about policies and community concerns.

Ultimately, Prof Ussi advocates for a more thoughtful approach to integrating artistes into political events, ensuring that their presence serves to enhance political engagement rather than detract from it.

“This balance is key to fostering a more informed electorate capable of making educated decisions during elections,” he says.