Zari Hassan weds Shakib in lavish wedding

Zari Hassan and Shakib Lutaaya during their traditional wedding in April. [Instagram]

Ugandan businesswoman Zari Hassan and her lover Shakib Lutaaya tied the knot in a lavish wedding held in Pretoria, South Africa, on October 3, 2023.

During the event, Zari defied convention by donning an elegant ivory gown, complete with a white veil and a graceful train.

In contrast, her groom chose a more relaxed attire, pairing khaki trousers with a white shirt and a stylish brown coat.

Zari, a mother of five, made a captivating entrance alongside her children, all beautifully attired in white to match the event's dress code.

The guest list was a star-studded affair, featuring many of Zari's celebrity friends, including the millionaire Zodwa Mkandla.

Additionally, cast members of the reality TV show 'Young, Famous & African' like dancehall artiste Fantana, graced the occasion with their presence.

Zari's former husband and the father of two of her children, Tanzanian musician Diamond Platnumz, was conspicuously absent from the festivities.

It's worth mentioning that on April 16, the couple (Zari and Shakib) had previously held a traditional wedding in the same city, sharing snapshots of their joyous occasion on Snapchat. Some of Zari's siblings were also present on that day.

In a heartfelt message posted on her Snapchat account in May, Zari expressed her unwavering love and commitment to Shakib.

She affirmed her choice, reassuring him that he held a special place in her heart.

"To my husband, I chose you over everyone. Own it and be proud of it. Don't let insecurities ruin what we have. With love, Mrs. Lutaaya," she declared.

This message came in response to claims circulating about Zari and Diamond planning to have another child together.

Allegedly, Diamond had shared these claims with Fantana during the second season of the Netflix reality series, "Young, Famous & African."

Incensed by these remarks, Zari took to the internet to call out Diamond, accusing him of fabricating stories about her obsession with him and their alleged plans for more children.

She made it clear that while he would always be a part of her life due to their children, she was no longer welcoming him as she had in the past and threatened legal action, stating, "You are cancelled, and if you disagree, let the court decide."