Zuchu cuts performance short after fans throw objects on stage

Dar es Salaam. Bongo Flava sensation Zuhura Othman, popularly known as Zuchu, faced yet another disruptive incident during her performance at the Wasafi Festival in Mbeya on September 29, 2024. 

The WCB signee was forced to halt her set after a portion of the crowd began throwing objects at her mid-performance. 

Visibly frustrated, Zuchu repeatedly addressed the crowd, asking, “Why are you throwing things on stage?” 

Despite her efforts to defuse the situation, the unruly behaviour persisted. In frustration, she dropped the microphone and exited the stage, cutting her performance short. 

This is not the first time Zuchu has encountered such disrespect. During the 2023 Wasafi Festival in Songea, she was hit by a bottle thrown by a disruptive fan. 

The issue of fans throwing objects at performers is not unique to Zuchu or Tanzania. Globally, this behaviour is often interpreted as either extreme enthusiasm or a sign of dissatisfaction. However, many in the Bongo Flava industry have condemned such actions, urging fans to treat artists with respect. 

Prominent voices have weighed in on the incident. Lawyer and social commentator Fatma Karume, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressed concern over the rising disrespect towards artistes. 

“It’s truly heartbreaking. You go to a concert to enjoy yourself, then throw a bottle at the performer? There’s something deeply wrong with the level of anger and frustration in this society,” she wrote. 

Former Tunduma MP Frank Mwakajoka also commented on X, stressing the importance of event organisers understanding their audience before booking artists for specific regions. 

“Event organisers often neglect proper audience research. If they conducted consumer preference studies, they would better understand what type of artistes the Mbeya crowd prefers instead of making decisions based on emotions,” he said. 

Zuchu's experience has ignited a broader conversation among fans and industry professionals about managing fan behaviour at live events. While excitement is expected at concerts, throwing harmful objects crosses a line. 

There are now increasing calls for stricter security measures and better education on concert etiquette to ensure performers can entertain safely and without fear.