Beatrice Materu

Africa, Dar es Salaam

Special Correspondent and Sub-Editor, The Citizen Newspaper at Nation Media Group

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Articles

Dear record labels, you’re not a bank (and artistes, read the fine print!)

5 days ago | thecitizen.co.tz | Beatrice Materu

In Tanzania’s music scene, the dream is simple. Get discovered. Get signed. Get rich. Get a Defender new model. Post about it. Then boom, life is good! But somewhere between “We’re launching your career” and “Unaweza kuja ofisini kesho?” things start getting... tricky. So, let’s talk about it, what exactly is a record label supposed to do for an artiste? And what are they definitely NOT supposed to do even if everyone’s silently expecting it?
Singeli steps onto the global stage as UNESCO recognition looms

5 days ago | thecitizen.co.tz | Beatrice Materu

The thumping, high-speed rhythm of Singeli is no longer just shaking up dance floors—now it’s knocking on UNESCO’s doors. In a move that could redefine Tanzania’s place on the global cultural map, Minister of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports Prof Palamagamba Kabudi has confirmed that Singeli music is in the running to be added to UNESCO’s prestigious List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Abigail Chams nominated for 2025 BET Awards

6 days ago | thecitizen.co.tz | Beatrice Materu

Tanzanian rising star Abigail Chams has earned a nomination at the 2025 BET Awards, joining a powerful lineup of African artistes recognised on the global stage. The nominations, announced on May 8, spotlight the growing influence of African music, with Abigail standing alongside Nigeria’s Ayra Starr and Rema, Ghana’s Black Sherif, and South Africa’s Tyla. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the BET Awards, set to air live from the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on June 9 at 8 p.m. ET.
Diddy’s sex trafficking trial begins May 5

1 week ago | thecitizen.co.tz | Beatrice Materu

New York. Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is set to face a federal jury starting May 5 in what could become one of the most high-profile celebrity trials in recent memory. The 55-year-old music executive stands accused of leading a criminal enterprise involving sex trafficking, drug distribution, and violent abuse. Opening statements are expected on May 12, with the trial projected to last at least eight weeks.
Are we still built for marriage or just good at weddings?

1 week ago | thecitizen.co.tz | Beatrice Materu

Say what you want about love, but in Tanzania, divorce is working overtime. According to RITA, 675 divorce certificates were issued between July 2024 and April 2025. That’s 116 percent of the annual target. Yes, you read that right, we’re breaking up faster than we’re signing up. The situation is so serious that the government had to pull the emergency brake.
Tanzanian rapper Chemical earns PhD, becomes Dr Claudia Lubao

1 week ago | thecitizen.co.tz | Beatrice Materu

In a world where female rappers are often boxed in and underestimated, Tanzanian rapper Chemical, now Dr Lubao, is rewriting every rule. Known for her fierce lyricism, unflinching honesty, and unapologetic attitude, Chemical has long commanded respect in East Africa’s rap scene. But now, she's broken through yet another ceiling, adding "PhD holder" to her list of accolades.
Tanzanian rapper Chemical earns PhD, becomes Dr Claudia Lubao.

2 weeks ago | thecitizen.co.tz | Beatrice Materu

In a world where female rappers are often boxed in and underestimated, Tanzanian rapper Chemical, now Dr Lubao, is rewriting every rule. Known for her fierce lyricism, unflinching honesty, and unapologetic attitude, Chemical has long commanded respect in East Africa’s rap scene. But now, she's broken through yet another ceiling, adding "PhD holder" to her list of accolades.
Juif’s journey from Tanzanian Streets to Global Storytelling

2 weeks ago | thecitizen.co.tz | Beatrice Materu

In a world increasingly shaped by algorithms and trends, where storytelling is often dictated by commercial appeal, Juif Joseph stands out as a filmmaker who insists on staying grounded. For him, cinema is not just a platform for escapism or grandeur, a mirror to society, a space for reflection, and a tool for healing.
A wake-up call to women fighting over men who aren’t theirs

2 weeks ago | thecitizen.co.tz | Beatrice Materu

I’ve tried. Lord knows I’ve tried. I’ve stood up for women, defended us in rooms we weren’t even invited to. But every now and then, my gender will do something that makes me want to log out permanently. Like... why are we fighting over a married man in 2025? Are we okay? Like, really, are we? This man said “I do”, signed up for better or worse, probably cried at the altar, and posed for wedding photos with a woman who is not you.
A Night where rhythm met soul-and Dar answered

3 weeks ago | thecitizen.co.tz | Beatrice Materu

What you need to know:From Backstreet Boys to Summer Walker, Chris Brown to SZA, and Mario, every track came with its own wave of collective memory It was one of those rare Dar es Salaam evenings where time seemed to slow down, not because the city’s chaotic rhythm had taken a break but because something smoother, sultrier, and far more soulful had taken over.