Zuchu
Zuchu, born Zuhura Othman Soud on November 22, 1993, in Zanzibar, is a celebrated Tanzanian singer and songwriter recognized for her vibrant blend of Bongo Flava, Taarab, Afrobeat, and R&B. Hailing from a legendary musical lineage, Zuchu is the daughter of renowned taarab star Khadija Kopa and songwriter Othman Soud, and was immersed in East African music traditions from her earliest days. Her family’s influence and her unique Zanzibari roots shaped her musical journey, instilling both a love of melody and a deep respect for Swahili music culture.
Growing up surrounded by music in Zanzibar, Zuchu began singing at a young age and took her first public steps on the music stage in 2015, performing at major events like Lagos’s TECNO OWN THE STAGE. Her big break came when, through her mother, she met Diamond Platnumz, the founder of WCB Wasafi, a meeting that led to an audition, an electrifying rendition of “Wana,” and a coveted spot on the Wasafi label. Zuchu later collaborated with her mother on “Mauzauza,” featured on her debut EP, I Am Zuchu.
Zuchu’s official single “Wana” (2020) catapulted her to stardom, rapidly followed by hits like “Sukari,” “Kwikwi,” and “Napambana,” each blending catchy melodies with heartfelt lyrics and danceable rhythms. Her work has garnered her numerous accolades, including the 2020 AFRIMMA Emerging Artist Award. In 2022, Zuchu became the most subscribed female artist in Sub-Saharan Africa on YouTube, and the first woman in East Africa to cross 100 million Boomplay streams. She also achieved historic feats with five Tanzania Music Awards in 2023, five Soundcity MVP Award nominations, and an MTV EMA nomination, the first for a female artist from East Africa.
Zuchu’s distinctive sound expertly fuses modern and traditional, reflecting both her Zanzibari heritage and the fresh urban energy of Dar es Salaam. Her songs often explore themes of love, empowerment, and relationships, with standout tracks like “Utaniua” and “Sukari” earning critical acclaim for their poetic, honest storytelling. Her dynamic vocals, stagecraft, and ability to connect through music make her a role model for aspiring artists across Africa.
By June 2023, Zuchu had surpassed 500 million YouTube views, becoming the first female East African artist and the fifth female in Africa to reach this milestone. Her hit “Sukari” was named among the top Tanzanian songs of the decade, confirming her influence as both a trendsetter and cultural ambassador for Swahili music. With a trajectory marked by rapid success, talent, and authenticity, Zuchu continues to uplift Tanzanian music on the global stage and inspire a new generation of performers.
