Nikki wa Pili appointed district commissioner in Tanzania

The swearing-in ceremony took place on 21 June, two days after President Samia Suluhu Hassan unveiled a youthful list of district commissioners. The Weusi hip hop group member has a doctorate in developmental management and is currently pursuing a PhD in developmental studies.

His appointment comes four years after the rapper expressed interest in running for president as an independent candidate in the 2020 presidential election. He joins bongo flava artist Mwana FA and Diamond Platnumz manager Babu Tale, who won parliamentary seats in last year’s general election.

Speaking to the press after the appointment, Nikki wa Pili said: “We are here to implement the party’s [Chama Cha Mapinduzi’s] manifesto whose sole goal is to bring development to the people. We must use our potential, time and talents to work together and ensure that we develop the people of the coast and Kisarawe in general.”

He added: “My artistic contribution will be to push the agenda of the arts sector on the national, regional and district levels.”

Weusi member and Nikki wa Pili’s older brother, Joh Makini, said: “This appointment does not surprise us because he has in the past revealed his dream to hold a high political position in the country. He is someone who stands up for what he believes in and cannot easily be swayed or influenced. We hope that God grants him the grace to serve in his new role and leave a positive mark.”

Before his appointment, the ‘Mawindo’ hitmaker worked with NGOs in the organisation of various youth- and community-based conferences. He has been a strong critic of several Tanzanian musicians who he believes are often employed to spread political propaganda. In 2018, he joined a number of Tanzanian artists demanding that the National Arts Council of Tanzania (BASATA) revise its registration rates for stakeholders in the music industry.