The showbiz scene never sleeps, and we’re here to keep you in the loop with the biggest stories shaking up the region. From a new music genre on UNESCO’s radar to a legendary artist making a comeback, here’s what’s trending now.

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Tanzania’s fast-paced EDM may join UNESCO’s heritage list

Tanzania’s homegrown electronic genre, Singeli, is officially in the running for UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Rooted in the underground scenes of Dar es Salaam, Singeli pairs high-speed electronic production with traditional Tanzanian elements like Ngoma and Kwaya. What began in the city’s street parties and nightclubs has become a musical force on global stages.

With the backing of BASATA, the country’s National Arts Council, Singeli has captivated crowds at international festivals including Nyege Nyege in Uganda, Primavera Sound in Spain, and DUOS Festival in Belgium, among others.

Tanzania’s Minister of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Palamagamba Kabudi, confirmed that the government has submitted a formal nomination dossier to UNESCO headquarters in Paris. Final deliberations are currently underway.

Jose Chameleone to perform in Kigali after overcoming health scare

Jose Chameleone is set to return to the stage in Kigali on Sunday, May 25, following a serious health battle that briefly put his career on pause.

The Ugandan music legend, whose real name is Joseph Mayanja, was hospitalized earlier this year with a severe pancreatic condition that led to emergency evacuation from Nakasero Hospital in Kampala to the United States for specialized care. His treatment was sponsored by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.’

Chameleone returned to Uganda on April 12 in stronger health. "The condition was pancreatitis, progressing to acute pancreatitis,” he told reporters. "Possible causes include alcohol, smoking, lack of rest, and stress—but these aren’t the only factors.”

He’s now channeling his recovery into performance, with a one-night-only concert at Kigali Universe. The show starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are Rwf20,000 for regular access, Rwf40,000 for VIP high tables, and Rwf300,000 for a six-person table with a bottle of G69 Gin.

Chagga Yagga threatens to release new footage of Sandra Teta's beatings

Geoffrey Kyagambiddwa, popularly known as Chagga Yagga and a former manager of Uganda’s Goodlyfe crew, is threatening to release what he claims is new video evidence of past assaults on Sandra Teta, the wife of singer Weasel Manizo.

Chagga, who managed Weasel during the Goodlyfe era, says he has long withheld the footage out of respect for Teta and her family. But in a recent interview with Ugandan content creator Shalom256, he said the time may have come to make the evidence public.

"I have recordings of her every time she has been beaten. I may release them someday,” Chagga said, adding that he has never-before-seen footage of an incident at Casablanca nightclub, where Teta was allegedly left bleeding. "Some of it was published, but I have more, and I will release them.”

His feud with Weasel spans years, including accusations of financial betrayal and lack of recognition. Chagga has repeatedly claimed that Weasel shortchanged him in business dealings during their time together.

Controversially, Chagga himself has been implicated in violence against Teta. In late 2023, a video surfaced showing him punching her during a confrontation. He has admitted to the assault but claims the situation was misrepresented.

According to him, Teta and her husband had refused to pay him over Ugandan Shillings 4 million for work at a bar in Kansanga. He said tensions escalated, and he was provoked by insults from Teta and her friends.

"I regret what happened. I left the scene immediately,” he said, noting that the matter was later resolved privately. Chagga insists he and Teta remain "personal friends.”

Following the altercation, Chagga was reportedly ejected from Weasel’s home, a move he dismissed as performative. "I wasn’t living in that house anyway,” he said.

Konde Gang suspends Ibraah over alleged disrespect toward Harmonize

Tanzania’s Konde Gang Music Worldwide, the record label founded by Bongo Flava star Harmonize, has suspended its artist, Ibraah, from all musical activities, citing alleged acts of disrespect toward the label’s leadership.

In a statement released earlier this week, the label said Ibrahim Abdallah Nampunga, known professionally as Ibraah, will remain under suspension until a resolution is reached per his contract and Tanzanian law.

Konde Gang’s management has imposed strict restrictions during the suspension, prohibiting Ibraah from releasing music, performing live, or engaging in any music-related activities. He is also barred from making public or online statements related to the dispute, particularly those that could harm the reputation of the label or its CEO.

Ibraah was the first artist signed by Harmonize when the label launched in 2020, a move that initially marked a promising chapter for both the label and the artist. Their relationship, however, has reportedly been rocky behind the scenes, with prior rumors of creative differences and disputes over management.

The label has not specified the nature of the recent conflict but said further details will be handled internally and in compliance with their legal framework.