Want to know the powerful celebrity couples in Tanzania? Check out this list of the most popular Tanzanian couples.
Celebrity couples hold a special place in the hearts of their fans and admirers, captivating audiences with their love stories, glamorous lifestyles, and red-carpet appearances.
In Tanzania, where the entertainment industry continues to flourish, celebrity couples are not only influential figures but also trendsetters in fashion, relationships, and lifestyle choices. From music icons to film stars, Tanzanian celebrity couples have captured the imagination of their audience, setting relationship goals and inspiring love stories.
What are marriages in Tanzania like?
Marriage customs in Africa vary from one tribe to another. Before colonization, marriages were strictly traditional and depended on the customs, traditions, and beliefs of the people. However, that changed with colonization and the intrusion of Western religion, the Christian marriage (the white wedding), or the Islamic wedding, which is gradually replacing traditional marriage in some African tribes.
Marriage in Tanzania, in the traditional African sense, means building stronger family ties. It goes beyond the union of two people. It is also enriched with traditions and customs.
In some tribes, arranged marriages are a common practice, Tanzanian Weddings reports. However, this is becoming less common as Western influence grows stronger on the continent.
Another common marriage custom is the payment of the bride’s price, or dowry. Over the years, there has been a growing debate on its relevance and legitimacy. This is one dominant tradition that cuts across diverse tribes.
The size of a dowry or bride price differs from one tribe to another. Also, some people believe payment of the bride’s price is important to show the man’s commitment and as a sign of respect to the bride’s family. Others believe it is a tradition that has lost its relevance for impoverished would-be couples. Others blame it for the inability of low-income earners to get married.
Top 12 Tanzanian Celebrity Couples in Tanzania
It is a popular belief that celebrity couples do not last long; however, there are still so many individuals who derive some strength to form new ones. After all, love life is risky and can only be obtained from those who dare to take on the challenges that are attached to it. If it is still bearable, rampant heartbreak should not bar you from achieving unexplained bliss.
In this article, JanaTribe delves into the lives of the top 10 best celebrity couples in Tanzania, exploring their successes, ages, and Instagram accounts. From power couples dominating the music scene to beloved actors and actresses, these couples have not only found success in their respective careers but also in their relationships, showcasing love, commitment, and companionship in the public eye.
In no particular order, here are the finest of Tanzania’s most beloved celebrity duos:
1. Jacqueline Wolper and Rich Mitindo
Jacqueline Wolper Massawe is a Tanzanian actress, businesswoman, and fashion stylist. Wolper began her film career in 2007 and has been featured in more than 30 films since her debut in the industry. She is known for Shabiusi (2018), My Princess (2013), and Surprise (2010).
Away from her business schedules, Wolper has been married to Rich Mitindo, a fashion designer.
The couple started dating in 2016, but they broke up after Jacqueline wronged Rich. They met again in 2020 and got back into the relationship.
“Life in a relationship is like a journey where you know where you are at the moment but not sure about where you’ll be in the future. We started dating in 2016 and I wronged him but he did not hate me. We became friends and consulted a lot on business matters. However, after being in numerous failed relationships, we met in 2020 when we were both single,” confessed Wolper.
Wolper soon got pregnant after getting back with Rich.
“You know I respect and love you and we have become more than lovers. I want you to know that I will always respect you because you are the man who gave me hope and made me a different person. Making me someone’s mother is a huge thing for me and I congratulate you,” she added.
The two surprised the public with a sudden announcement in May 2022, of Wolper being pregnant and the birth of their son, Mitindo Junior. Before then, everything was carefully under wraps, contrary to the recent days where they keep on publicly showering love and praise on each other.
The couple welcomed their second child recently and have been sharing their best moments on their social media platforms.
Follow Wolper on Instagram: @wolperstylish
Follow Rich Mitindo on Instagram: @richmitindo
2. Rapper Billnass and Nandy
Faustina Charles Mfinanga, popularly known by her stage name Nandy, is a Tanzanian singer, songwriter, and actress. She was born and raised in the town of Moshi in the Kilimanjaro Region. She won the All Africa Music Awards twice in the Best Female Artist in East Africa category in 2017 and 2020.
When Nandy is not entertaining her fans and admirers, she is mostly home with her family, as she is a mother and wife.
In July 2022, Nandy and her soulmate Billnass married in a super colorful event that had the who is who in the Bongo entertainment industry.
Nandy and Bill Nass met while on campus. They had broken up, and Nandy started dating the late Ruge Mutahaba before the duo got back together, Mpasho reports.
Nandy had earlier talked about how excited she was about her upcoming wedding. Speaking in an interview with Mpasho, the 29-year-old admitted that she is very excited about her upcoming big day.
“My wedding preparations are going on well and I thank God for that. Sitting sessions have started. I am confident everything will be fine,” she stated.
Showering her then soon-to-be husband Bill Nass with praises, Nandy described him as a faithful man who has continued to love her in many different ways. Nandy said she had never found a ‘funny’ text message on his phone since the beginning of their relationship.
“He’s a man who is really laid back. In fact, since we started our relationship, I have never found fishy messages in his phone. I know it’s hard to believe but I can say he is very different from other men,” she added.
She and her husband, rapper Billnass, welcomed a baby girl. Speaking for the first time since giving birth, Nandy said her child is now her source of joy. “I want to thank God for He is Mighty, a Kichaga girl has been born,” she wrote.
Follow Nandy on Instagram: @officialnandy
Follow Bill Nass on Instagram: @billnass
3. Barnaba Classic and Raya the Boss
Barnaba Classic, born Barnaba Elias, is a Tanzanian musician and songwriter known for his melodious tunes and heartfelt lyrics.
On December 27, 2022, the Tanzanian crooner tied the knot with his wife, Raya Alistar Sykes, aka Raya the Boss, in an intimate star-studded wedding ceremony. The ceremony, which aired on Wasafi TV, saw different Bongo celebrities like Hamisa Mobetto, Petiteman Wakuache, and Rich Mitindo, among others, attend.
The announcement of his nuptial was made through his Instagram page, where he shared a series of photos from the event, celebrating the major milestone in his life and calling it a “blessing from God.”
“The wedding is simply smart and classic like my name. What more can I say, God? Thank you for your blessing. We made it @rayatheboss my destiny,” he wrote.
Raya is a business entrepreneur and the CEO and founder of The Boss Nails.
Barnaba Classic and Raya have been flaunting each other on their social media accounts. Their relationship has been a beacon of hope and inspiration for fans, showcasing the power of love and mutual respect in overcoming life’s challenges.
Before Raya, Barnaba was in previous relationships which he fathered two kids from, per K24TV.
Millard Ayo, one of his ex-partners, is a prominent media personality and journalist in Tanzania.
Follow Barnaba on Instagram: @barnabaclassic
Follow Raya the boss on Instagram: @rayatheboss
4. Elizabeth Michael (Lulu) and Majizzo
Elizabeth Michael, known mononymously as Lulu, is a Tanzanian actress by profession. In 2013, she won the Zanzibar International Film Festival award for Best Actress for “Woman Of Principles”. She also won the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for Best Movie Eastern Africa.
She gained worldwide attention on November 13, 2017, after she was convicted in the High Court of Tanzania for involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to two years in prison for the 2012 death of actor Steven Kanumba, whom she had been dating when she was a juvenile (17 years old). Michael was alleged to have caused the death of 28-year-old Kanumba.
In 2021, she found the love of her life and got married to her millionaire media mogul fiancé, Majizzo, in a secret ceremony in Dar es Salaam, according to a local media report.
While Lulu is a movie star, her spouse Majizzo, is a millionaire media mogul and the founder of EFM. Aside from being Lulu’s partner, he is also her manager and has been instrumental in shaping Lulu Diva’s career and supporting her musical ambitions.
Their relationship has been a journey of growth and partnership, with Lulu Diva and Majizzo navigating the challenges of the entertainment industry together. As one of Tanzania’s most beloved celebrity couples, they continue to inspire fans with their love and dedication to each other.
Majizzo is also popularly known as the father of Hamisa Mobetto’s daughter Fantasy and he also has three older boys from a previous marriage, per Ghafla.
Follow Majizzo on Instagram: @majizzo
Follow Elizabeth Michael on Instagram: @elizabethmichaelofficial
5. Vincent Kigosi and Chuchu Hans
Vincent Kigosi is a Tanzanian actor, producer, and director based in Dar-es-Salaam. He is most known as Ray and started his career in 2000 in a television soap opera/series and then started to appear in different movies up to now.
Vincent Kigosi is known for Surprise (2010), Handsome Wa Kijiji (2011), and What Is It? (2011).
Vincent has been married to Tanzanian actress Chuchu Hans and the couple have a son named Jaden The Greatest.
Follow Chuchu Hans on Instagram: @chuchuhansy
Follow Vincent Kigosi on Instagram: @raythegreatest
6. Aika and Nahreel (Navy Kenzo)
Aika Marealle and Nahreel are musicians popularly known as Navy Kenzo. They shot to fame after the release of their third single, ‘Chelewa’ and they have since been releasing banger after banger and performing all over the world.
The Navy Kenzo duo have been dating for the longest time. They are not too keen on officiating their status but in essence, they are husband and wife.
They are also entrepreneurs. Nahreel is the founder of The Industry Studios. Aika is the CEO of Gold Baby Products in Tanzania, per Barakfm.org.
Aika and Nahreel met in India, where they were both studying for their undergraduate degrees at the Punjab College of Technical Education. Aika was focusing on business administration, while Nahreel was pursuing computer science. They, however, chose to focus on their careers before starting a family.
The Tanzanian celebrity duo are parents and welcomed a bouncing baby boy named Gold years ago.
The two who took the Kenyan market by storm with their club banger ‘Kamatia Chini’ announced the birth of their newborn baby through the Instagram handle of Aika with the following caption: “Mr Gold welcome to the world. @gold_navykenzo Thank you God, and thank you all for ur prayers?.”
Follow Aika on Instagram: @aikanavykenzo
Follow Nahreel on Instagram: @nahreel
7. Aunty Ezekiel and Kusah
Aunty Ezekiel is a Tanzanian actress who is best known for her roles in Prison Revenge, Pumba Jungu La Urithi, and Eyes on Me. She has also made appearances in Siku Za Majaribu, I Hate My Birthday, and Young Billionaire. She made her on-screen debut in 2008’s The Cold Wind.
According to Famous Birthdays, Ezekiel was born on October 28, 1986, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. She is the daughter of football player Ezekiel Greyson. She was given the nickname Gwantwa by her parents.
The veteran actress has been known often for her love life. She was previously married to her husband, Demonte, in 2012. She recently made it known that she had moved on from the relationship and instead, her new man is fellow Tanzanian musician Kusah Salmin Ismail Hoza, professionally known by his stage name Kusah.
For anyone who doesn’t know Kusah, he is a musician, singer, and songwriter from Tanzania. He started getting attention as a songwriter but later rose to stardom after releasing songs such as Kelele, No Time, I Don’t Care, and I Wish, which made him a household name in Tanzania.
The bongo-flavored musician has also been in the news for his love life and relationship controversies. He was alleged to be the baby daddy of Ruby, a Tanzanian songstress.
If that is true, then he is a father of two because he has a son named Norman with Auntie Ezekiel.
Kusha and Auntie Eziekel‘s romance is going strong, as he recently released a song titled Mama Lao, and the vixen in the video was his current partner.
Follow Auntie Ezekiel on Instagram: @auntyezekiel
Follow Kusah on Instagram: @_kusah_
8. Mose Iyobo and Ruby
Mose Iyobo is Diamond Platnumz’s official dancer. He is one of the few privileged Tanzanian dancers to have reaped big from dancing. Working for the WCB record label has given him various opportunities, including occupational travel to various parts of the globe.
When it comes to his love life, he has been married for years to his spouse, Ruby.
Ruby (real name: Hellen Majeshi) is also in the entertainment industry and she is a popular artist.
Iyobo and Ruby have been celebrating themselves on the internet. Whenever one’s birthday, or they share any special moments, this couple posts them on their social media accounts.
During an exclusive interview with the Lavi Davi show hosted by Wasafi Media, he confessed that they had been in a relationship for two years, it was only that they had hidden it well from the public.
Mr. Iyobo was once married to Aunty Ezekiel, and the two were blessed with a child named Cookie.
Follow Mose Iyobo on Instagram: @moseiyobo
9. Vanessa Mdee and Rotimi
Vanessa Mdee is a Tanzanian singer, rapper, television personality, and radio host. Mdee is popularly known for being the first ever Tanzanian MTV VJ.
Mdee has been in a relationship with Nigerian-American actor and singer — Olurotimi Akinosho, known professionally as Rotimi. Rotimi was born in Maplewood, New Jersey, to a Nigerian family of Yoruba heritage.
The Tanzanian star and her heartthrob, Rotimi, broke the internet upon revealing they were a couple.
The couple’s wedding ceremony was an intimate affair, with only close family and friends in attendance. As the soft sound of waves lapped against the shore, Vanessa and Rotimi exchanged their heartfelt vows. The ceremony beautifully blended both Nigerian and Tanzanian traditions, paying homage to both cultures.
Rotimi told the story of how the two met at a party and hit it off, and Vanessa also said in an interview how she knew he was her husband only two days after meeting him.
Singer Rotimi and his partner Vanessa Mdee have two children— Seven Adeoluwa & Imani Enioluwa.
Mdee is older than Rotimi by a year. Vanessa was also older than her ex-boyfriend, Juma Jux, by a year. Jux’s six-year relationship with fellow Tanzanian artist Vanessa Mdee was widely publicized. During this time, they toured together across the region and released several singles.
However, after their breakup, Vanessa Mdee relocated to the United States and found love with American-based musician and actor Rotimi. Years have passed, and Rotimi and Mdee are now engaged and parents to two children.
Follow Vannessa Mdee on Instagram: @anessamdee
Follow Rotimi on Instagram: @rotimi
10. Lava Lava and Lulu Diva
The WCB artist decided to spread their linen out after a public apology to sexy Diva and to give him another chance to make up for his mistake. This is when people came to know that the two were dating and that they were only going through a bad phase in their love lives. The drama, which started on the artist’s Instagram account, proceeded to Wasafi Media House, where the two were called for an interview and reconciliation. However, most concluded that they might have staged split for clout chasing as they released a collaboration song within the week of the happening.
Failed Tanzania Celebrity Marriages
Here’s a list of famous Tanzanian celebrity couples who have divorced or broken up.
Shilole and Uchebe
Shilole, whose real name is Zena Yusuf Mohammed, is a Tanzanian singer, actress, and social media personality.
Ashraf ‘Uchebe’ Sadik, her estranged husband, is a businessman and entrepreneur.
The duo were married but separated. Together, Shilole and Uchebe formed a power couple during their relationship times, balancing their professional endeavors with their personal life. Their relationship was been a source of inspiration for fans, with Shilole often expressing her gratitude for Uchebe’s love and support.
Shilole has spoken about her failed marriage in many interviews. According to Shilole, her ex was abusive, jealous of her success, and tried to curtail her independence.
Speaking to Global Publishers, Uchebe also said he is appreciative of Shilole’s new relationship following their infamous split after she opened the lid on their tumultuous marriage, saying he battered her. “Siwezi kufanya haraka kukurupuka katika uhusiano mwingine na sijui kama naweza kurudiana na Shilole,” said Uchebe.
Uchebe went on to add that he has no qualms about her moving on and pointed out that he is striving to better himself, financially. “Na kuhusiana na yeye kuwa katika uhusiano mpya, sisi wanaume tuna kitu kimoja nikitoka mimi akaingia mtu mwingine, tunakucheka maana tunakuona huna akili. Mwisho wa siku mimi ninafanya mazoezi ya mwili wangu na kutafuta pesa, sibishani na mapenzi, bali ninafanya kazi na ibada tu,’’ he added.
Ben Pol and Anerlisa Muigai
Ben Pol, born Bernard Michael Paul Mnyang’anga, is a Tanzanian musician acclaimed for his soulful vocals and romantic ballads.
Anerlisa Muigai is a Kenyan businesswoman and entrepreneur.
Ben Pol and Anerlisa Muigai were, in fact, husband and wife. They tied the knot in a private ceremony in March 2020, with a little less than 50 people in attendance. Their marriage came after three years of dating.
Their relationship was a whirlwind of romance and glamour, with Ben Pol often serenading Anerlisa in his music. Despite the pressures of fame and public scrutiny, Ben Pol and Anerlisa Muigai remained devoted to each other, sharing their journey of love and partnership with fans across East Africa.
However, all those “lovi lovi” wasn’t pleasing to each other as they went on their separate ways. After two years of court processing, their divorce became finally official.
Amina Khalef Rikesh and Alikiba
Ali Kiba (also known as King Kiba, with the real name Ali Saleh Kiba) is one of the most popular musicians in Africa and Tanzania, East Africa. The musician and songwriter is mostly considered the King of the Bongo Flava music genre. He is from Kigoma and is the owner of Kings Music Label and Crown Media Group.
The family life of Alikiba is a case of love crossing borders. He fell in love with a Kenyan lady Amina Khalef Rikesh and went on to marry her. He married his Kenyan lover Amina in a breathtaking Muslim wedding held in Mombasa on April 19, 2018. A few weeks later, after the wedding in Mombasa, the two lovebirds got married in a white wedding held in Dar es Salaam.
Kiba met Amina during one of the Koroga Festivals he came to perform in. Despite being very far from the stage and with a crowd of people around her, she stood out to him. According to the musician, he never knew he was going to marry a Kenyan but said he still had open options to pursue.
Their love story is one of romance and cultural fusion, with Amina embracing Tanzanian culture and becoming a beloved figure in the country. Together, Alikiba and Amina Khalef exude elegance, style, and a deep bond that resonates with their fans.
In 2022, news broke that the Kenyan beauty had filed for a divorce from her husband, citing neglect as the reason for filing for divorce. According to Tuko, Amina is asking for KSh 200,000 in monthly upkeep.
The duo is not supposed to make it to our list of the best couples since there has already been a divorce alert, however, it has not been finalised yet, giving them a 50/50 chance of reconciling with each other.
Alikiba is a father of three and welcomed his first child with Amina in 2019. The names of his kids are Prince Sameer Kiba, Chamy Kiba, and Jamal Kiba.
Follow Amina Khalef on Instagram: @aileenalora
Follow Alikiba on Instagram: @officialalikiba
Harmonize and Kajala
Harmonize, born Rajab Abdul Kahali, is a Tanzanian musician and songwriter, famous for his catchy tunes and energetic performances. The recording artist and entrepreneur has worked with many other African musicians, including Burna Boy, Yemi Alade, Ruger, Sarkodie, and Naira Marley.
In February, he announced to the public that he was dating Frida Kajala Masanja, a popular ‘Bongo’ actress. The news of his new romance came after he broke up with his now-Italian ex-wife, Sarah Michelotti. The duo were together for four years before their separation.
Konde Music WorldWide’s CEO and his ex-wife had stepdaughters, and they seemed “so perfect” together.
The alleged reason for the breakup was that Harmonize wanted to be romantically involved with both the mother, Kajala, and her 19-year-old daughter, Paula. These were allegations that the musician vehemently rejected and claimed that it was a move of her opponents, who were trying to bring him down by tarnishing his reputation.
Harmonize and his new partner Kajala’s relationship has been a whirlwind of romance and adventure, with Harmonize often professing his love for her in his music.
Harmonize and Kajala enjoyed a blissful relationship until December 2022, when they broke up again. In April 2023, while visiting Nairobi, Kajala said she was dating a Kenyan politician after breaking up with Harmonize.
Follow Harmonize on Instagram: @harmonize_tz
Rayvanny and Paula Kajala
Rayvanny, the CEO of ‘Next Level Music’ and WCB artist, decided to make his former workmate, Harmonize, his step-father- in-law by making Paula Kajala his girlfriend after ditching his baby mama Fayma. This is something that ignites the ill feelings between them to the extent of online shaming, facing each other before the police, as well as releasing new songs targeting one another.
All in all, this was something that seemed forgotten just after the split of Harmonize and Kajala Masanja. This is because Rayvanny and Paula currently serve us couple goals with the aid of numerous photos of the two posted on social media.
But Rayvanny and Paula are not together!
In a series of rants, the two dragged each other along, with Rayvanny revealing the cause of their breakup for the first time. He said that Paula slept with his brother, whom he respects very much, leading to their break.
As it stands, their relationship status is scanty and unknown, as Rahyvanny, the girlfriend of Tanzanian sensation Rayvanny, made a surprising revelation: she and Rayvanny have never officially broken up.
Diamond Platnumz and Zari Hassan
Diamond Platnumz, born Naseeb Abdul Juma, is one of Tanzania’s most renowned musicians, known for his hit songs and international collaborations.
Zarinah “Zari” Hassan (alias Zari the Boss Lady), on the other hand, is a Ugandan socialite, musician, businesswoman, and actress who resides in South Africa, where she runs businesses.
Diamond and Zari were in a relationship for years. They first crossed paths in 2014 when Diamond was returning home from South Africa, where he had been doing his music projects, when he caught the attention of Ugandan socialite Zari Hassan during his flight.
Their relationship blossomed, and they became one of the hottest couples in East Africa, however, the duo couldn’t stand the test of time in their relationship.
During their peak, their relationship was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, garnering media attention and headlines across East Africa. They broke up multiple times and reconciled.
Despite their publicized breakups and makeups, Diamond Platnumz and Zari Hassan remained one of Tanzania’s most talked-about celebrity couples.
The duo broke up and never came back as a couple again. Zari broke up with Diamond on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2018, after getting tired of his continued infidelity. Diamond cheated on Zari multiple times, even siring a kid with Hamisa Mobetto.
Before Zari and Diamond broke up, she was a mother of five—three from her first marriage to Ivan Ssemwanga and two from Diamond Platnumz.
Ommy Dimpoz and Mama Dangote
Ommy Dimpoz, born Omary Faraji Nyembo, is a Tanzanian musician known for his unique blend of Bongo Flava and R&B.
Mama Dangote, his partner and mother of Diamond Platnumz, is a prominent figure in Tanzania’s entertainment industry.
Their relationship was the subject of speculation and gossip, with fans curious about the dynamics between Ommy Dimpoz and Mama Dangote. Despite the controversies surrounding their union, the couple remains united, supporting each other through thick and thin until they separated and never reconciled.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the top celebrity couples in Tanzania, each with their own unique love story and journey to marital bliss. As they continue to inspire fans with their romance, talent, and dedication to each other, these couples serve as shining examples of love and partnership in the entertainment industry. Follow them on their Instagram accounts for a glimpse into their glamorous lives.
