Impact of Masonic rumours on families

The sudden death of Kanumba sparked rumours about Freemasons as some of his fans claimed he was a Mason. Many thought so because of his film called Freemasons, in which he featured as the main character.

But this debate has gone beyond his fans and affects the way some people view success—be it in business or politics. Last year, one of my sons asked me if I had an opportunity to attend the American hip-hop star, Rick Ross concert in Dar es Salaam. My answer was no. I told him I did not attend the concert because I am neither a fan of Rick Ross nor a believer in the Fiesta music festival.

“Dad, are you aware Rick Ross is a Freemason?” asked my son, adding that his teacher them that Ross was a member of the Freemasons fraternity and so were many successful musicians in America.”

This nine-year-old boy went on to tell me that to be successful, at least according to what his teacher told them, some people have to join Freemasons. I was stunned because the rumours were now beginning to affect the way even our children view success and power.

We are told that behind the wave of trade in albino body parts there are politicians who believe that a concoction of albino bones and skin creates a magical charm to attract more votes.

In 2011, when I was commissioned by Qatar based Al-Jazeera channel to produce an investigative documentary about albino killings in Lake Zone, I came across a witchdoctor who told me how he was approached by a prominent politician who wanted the “albino charm” to win the 2010 election.

While political leaders in the developed and highly democratic world were competing on the basis of policies, some leaders in Tanzania and other parts of Africa were reportedly still focused on witchcraft, corruption and tribalism to achieve power.

I have no evidence as to whether Rick Ross is a Freemason. I am also not aware whether or not Kanumba was a member of the fraternity. But I have heard so many people—even the highly educated—blatantly claim that if one wants to be successful and powerful, he must join the Freemasons.

While we are taught that any success—be it in your career, business or academics—involves hard work, self-discipline and meaningful goals, there are people who believe that you just need to join Freemasons to get rich and powerful.

The Bible and Quran teach us about divine blessings but many people are more occupied shortcuts to wealth.

The danger is that we are poisoning the minds of future generations—our children—by making them believe that there’s a short cut to success. We have also made public servants and political leaders believe that corruption and abuse of power is actually a fashionable route to prosperity in the post-Nyerere era.

If the Masonic Fraternity teaches its members to hate poverty and become successful, the question we should ask today is whether Christianity teaches human beings to be poor and love poverty. I have heard many preachers here in Dar es Salaam—especially those who claim to be born again, teaching their followers about material prosperity by quoting verses in the Bible.

In Nigeria, for instance, the majority of preachers preach the gospel of material prosperity—insisting that God did not create man to suffer and that he created him to command everything, including money and gold.

Whether Freemasons are fully associated with wealth and power remains a mystery.