Niffer appeals to Upendo Nkone not to sell car gifted by Tanzanians after Diamond-Lwaga drama
By Steve Ireri, September 30, 2026Tanzanian businesswoman and influencer Niffer has weighed in on the controversy surrounding gospel singer Upendo Nkone after she asked for the Toyota Harrier she was gifted to be sold, and the proceeds channelled towards helping orphans.
In an Instagram post on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, the outspoken influencer urged Tanzanians to exercise patience and restraint as the debate surrounding Nkone continues to unfold.
Niffer began by reminding her followers about the spirit of humanity and tolerance that she believes Tanzanians have demonstrated, saying she had followed the heated discussions surrounding Nkone without taking sides.
“We Tanzanians have been blessed with a spirit of humanity and tolerance. I have seen many discussions about Mama Upendo Nkone. Many things have been said, but I am not on either side. God is the only one who knows the full truth of this matter,” she wrote.
Nkone had come under criticism after speaking out against the collaboration between gospel singer Joel Lwaga and Bongo Flava star Diamond Platnumz on their prayer-themed song, Nikumbuke.
The gospel singer questioned the mixing of gospel and secular entertainment, warning fellow ministers against allowing the pursuit of money and a luxurious lifestyle to interfere with their faith.
The controversy later spilt over into discussions about the Toyota Harrier that Nkone received after a fundraising drive led by businesswoman Resty Bura.
The black 2008 Toyota Harrier 240G, valued at more than Tsh40 million, was purchased through contributions from fans, artistes and other well-wishers before being handed over to Nkone at Mlimani City in Dar es Salaam.
After the backlash, Nkone said she wanted the vehicle sold and the money given to orphans.
Niffer, however, urged her not to proceed with the decision, arguing that the original gesture was made out of genuine goodwill.
“Today I have seen that she has asked for the car she was given to be sold and for the money to reach orphans. Personally, I am asking that it should not get to that point. That help was given with a clean heart, and I believe everyone who participated did so for God,” Nifer added.
Niffer has also maintained that the intentions behind the original fundraising should not be judged based on what happened afterwards.
“The blessing of giving does not disappear because of what happened later,” she said.
She further asked Tanzanians to consider that Nkone may not have been accustomed to navigating social media and could have struggled to communicate her feelings in the best way.
“Mama Upendo may be new to social media and perhaps she did not know how to present her feelings properly. Let us not rush to judge her. Let us leave the final judgment to God,” Niffer insisted.
Niffer has also appealed for forgiveness and an end to the heated exchanges surrounding the gospel singer, saying disagreements should not erase the humanity of those involved.
“If there are mistakes, let us forgive one another and let them pass. The truth can remain the truth, but let us not lose our humanity while searching for it.”
She further made a direct appeal to Tanzanians not to allow the Toyota Harrier to be sold, suggesting that the vehicle could instead remain with Nkone as a reminder of the unity that brought people together to support her.
“Do not allow her to sell that car. Let it remain as a reminder that Tanzanians can come together and do something great out of love,” she wrote.
At the same time, Niffer urged Tanzanians to allow the controversy to settle without further escalation, using a Swahili expression calling for people to cover the matter and allow it to pass.
“Let us cover the pot and allow the scoundrel to pass,” she added.