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Nuru na giza haziendi sawa: Bahati Bukuku criticizes Joel Lwaga, Diamond gospel collabo
24th September, 2026 10:31 PM
Tanzanian gospel musician Bahati Bukuku has criticized the collaboration between gospel artiste Joel Lwaga and Bongo Flava star Diamond Platnumz on their gospel song, “Nikumbuke.”
Speaking during a radio interview on Thursday, September 24, 2026, Bukuku said she personally could not collaborate with secular artistes because of her spiritual convictions.
Bukuku said she believes gospel and secular music represent different paths, making such collaborations unacceptable to her.
“Sidhani kama nuru na giza zinaenda sawa, siwezi fanya hivyo [collaborating with secular artistes], mimi kwangu haipo labda kwa watu wengine,” she said.
The veteran gospel musician, however, emphasized that her position was based on her personal beliefs and that other artistes were free to make their own decisions.
“Mimi sina mtazamo, aitazame mtu mwenyewe anayeamua, kila mtu ako na maamuzi yake, kila mtu ako na mtazamo wake. Kwa mimi mtazamo wangu mimi kwangu haipo, haiwezi haiwezi tokea,” Bukuku said.
She added: “Mimi nina mtazamo wa kiroho.”
Bukuku’s comments come after Lwaga and Diamond released “Nikumbuke,” a prayer-themed collaboration that has attracted attention across East Africa.
The song features a plea to God to remember the singer while blessing others, with the collaboration bringing together Lwaga’s gospel background and Diamond’s secular music career.
Bukuku’s remarks have renewed discussion around collaborations between gospel and secular artistes, particularly over whether such partnerships can serve a spiritual purpose while crossing traditional genre boundaries.
