Tanzanian artiste Zuchu has broken down in tears while recalling her show-stopping Yanga Day performance, where she made history as the first woman to headline the football club’s annual celebrations.

The songstress, born Zuhura Othman, shed tears as she recounted how her journey to the stage had been marked by sleepless rehearsals, emotional pressure and the immense support of her family.

Speaking in a video shared by a local Tanzanian YouTuber on Saturday, September 13, 2025, the ‘Sukari’ hitmaker said her husband’s constant encouragement and her mother’s unwavering prayers carried her through the tense days leading up to the event.

“Until the moment I left home, I was with my husband, and he could see I was worried. He kept telling me, ‘Do not be worried, make sure you enjoy yourself while performing, just relax.’ My mother was also sending me messages saying, ‘My daughter, may the Almighty God help you.’’

She explained that the two remained pillars of strength, assuring her that she was ready for the challenge even when she was overwhelmed by nerves.

According to the singer, her family’s sacrifices allowed her to concentrate fully on preparations, and she described their support as the unseen force behind her ability to perform at such a scale.

“So I have a very supportive family. The people around me give me a very strong support system. They really support me and I am very grateful to everyone,” Zuchu added.

The artiste added that her wider team also played a critical role in ensuring the success of the performance.

From stage design to choreography, she said every detail was carefully executed by people who believed in her vision and worked tirelessly to bring it to life.

“I can also say the success of Yanga Day was because of my team. To have a huge team really helps. We collaborated even with television teams so well,” she added.

Her tears, she noted, were not only a release of built-up pressure but also an expression of gratitude for those who stood by her side.

“On that day, we only had one day of rehearsals and we left the stadium at 9 p.m., but my team did not leave. They slept there while preparing. It is just wonders and I now feel like Tanzania is really growing, even the sound system is growing.”

Highest paid

Zuchu further revealed that she was the highest-paid performer in the history of Yanga Day.

She described this as a landmark achievement not only for herself but also for the recognition of female artistes in Tanzania’s male-dominated music industry.

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She said the record payment was proof that women can rise to the very top of the entertainment ladder and urged upcoming female performers to remain determined.

“Now I have become the first woman to headline on these two international football days, beginning with CHAN and now this Yanga Day. But according to the reports I heard, I am the headliner who was paid the most money compared to all other headliners. So I can say this was all possible because people recognise my place in the industry as a female artiste. It is not easy,” she added.

The showpiece, organised to mark 90 years of Tanzania Mainland champions Young Africans SC (Yanga), popularly known as Mwananchi Day, featured a musical lineup that had fans on their feet from start to finish.

Alongside Zuchu, who was the main headliner, performances also came from Meja Kunta, Dogo Paten, and several other popular artistes, turning the football stadium into a roaring festival of music and sport.