Popular Tanzania songbird Zuhura Othman Soud, better known by her stage name Zuchu, has turned down a Sh12 million endorsement deal. Speaking at an interview, the WCB Wasafi record label signee said she turned down a deal to endorse an alcoholic drink to protect her Muslim beliefs.
Zuchu, who is prepping for her homecoming event in Zanzibar, further revealed that she felt hesitant to promote a drink that she would not consume. According to her, if one is endorsing a product, then one must consume it.
"Nisingekuwa nawatendea haki wale watu. Unapotangaza kinywaji ni lazima ukinywe na mimi sio mtumiaji wa vileo. Hiyo dili ilikuwa kama robo bilioni (It would not have been fair to the client. When you advertise a drink, you have to consume it. I do not consume alcohol, the deal was worth Tsh250 million)," Zuchu said.
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Zuchu also revealed that her mother, Khadija Kopa, had previously warned her against promoting alcoholic drinks as it goes against their religious beliefs.
"My mum asked me to promote any other brand but not alcohol. Also, it was not in me; I do not like to represent alcohol because I am a Muslim," Zuchu added.
Speaking further on the matter, her manager Wasafi Music's Sallam SK, had earlier said that Zuchu's rate card has gone up due to her demand. According to Sallam, Zuchu is currently charging nearly a minimum of Sh2 million for shows outside her home country, Tanzania.
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"The world has changed right now, and as the demand for her services goes up, so do the charges. That is why we have been marketing her widely. Right now, she charges Sh2 million for shows outside Tanzania," he said.
Speaking further in the matter, Sallam added that they charge a bit less for their Tanzanian clients, but there is no much difference.
"Local shows are negotiable but there is no much difference. This is home and we cannot deny them their artiste, so we can negotiate and agree on a fair figure," added Sallam.
