Zuchu admits modern women rarely wear kangas to impress their husbands
By Steve Ireri, April 2, 2026Tanzanian singer Zuhura Othman, popularly known as Zuchu, has drawn attention to the declining tradition of women wearing kanga to impress their husbands, noting that modern women rarely practise it even at home.
In a post shared on her Instagram page on Thursday, April 2, 2026, the ‘Sukari’ hitmaker reflected on the customs in Zanzibar, where married women traditionally wore a new kanga in the evening when their husbands returned, often choosing one with messages that matched the day or occasion.
“This outfit reminds me of women in Zanzibar, especially married women. In the evenings, when the husband returned home, a new kanga was worn, often with a message that matched the day,” she wrote.
Zuchu contrasted this with contemporary practices, stating that many women no longer follow this tradition, which she sees as a cultural shift.
She highlighted her favourite look from a recent music video, noting how the kanga was used to beautifully portray East African culture and emphasising its visual and cultural significance.
“But nowadays, even at home, women rarely do this. This is my favourite look in the entire video. I loved how we were able to portray our culture in a beautiful way,” she added.
She also explained that the kanga is a garment historically worn by East African women and occasionally men since the 19th century, serving both practical and symbolic roles.
“The kanga is a garment worn by East African women, and occasionally men, since the 19th century,” she wrote.
Zuchu then invited engagement from her audience by asking if anyone had ever worn a kanga for their husband, and encouraged men to share whether they would like to see it worn today.
“So tell me, have you ever worn a kanga for your husband? And men, let us know in the comments if you would like it to be worn,” she wrote.
Mum’s fears
In a similar development, the singer’s mum, Taarab icon Khadija Kopa, expressed concern that Diamond Platnumz has yet to officially introduce her to his mother despite marrying her daughter many months ago.
Because of this, both families, meaning the in-laws, have not yet been formally brought together.
“We haven’t communicated because Diamond has not yet arranged for us to meet, even after he married Zuchu. And as you know, their wedding was a low-key affair. Their marriage was not the usual one, and it was kept private. Because of that, both families, meaning the in-laws, have not been formally introduced,” Kopa said.
Kopa explained that while she and Diamond’s mother are aware of each other, they have no direct communication.
She highlighted that each mother knows only matters related to her own child and that in Tanzanian culture, a formal introduction typically involves a gathering or meal to unite the families.
“So Mama Diamond knows only her child’s matters, and I know only mine. Zuchu knows her mother-in-law, Mama Dangote,” she added.
As such, it is impossible for her to visit Diamond’s mother independently, as the responsibility for arranging the meeting lies with Diamond himself, as the husband and son.
“You know, in our culture, we are supposed to be formally introduced, usually during a gathering with food, but right now it’s not possible for me to go to Diamond’s mother. I cannot just walk in as a mother-in-law. That is impossible. Therefore, it is the husband’s responsibility, Diamond, to arrange for both families to meet formally,” she said.
She further pointed out that scheduling such a meeting cannot happen immediately, as both families have their own commitments and busy schedules.
Nevertheless, she expressed confidence that the official introduction will happen at the right time.
“I know it will happen one day, but you cannot just tell everyone to meet immediately; everyone has their own commitments and schedules. We will know when the right time comes,’ Kopa said.