Tanzanian gospel veteran Bahati Bukuku has criticised the collaboration between gospel singer Joel Lwaga and Bongo Flava star Diamond Platnumz on their new song Nikumbuke.
Speaking during an interview on East Africa Radio, on Thursday, September 24, 2026, Bukuku said she personally could not work with a secular artiste, even when making a gospel song.
“Sidhani kama nuru na giza zinaenda sawa, siwezi fanya hivyo, mimi kwangu haipo, labda kwa watu wengine,” she said.
Bukuku, however, clarified that she was not judging other artistes, saying everyone has the right to make their own decisions.
“Mimi sina mtazamo, aitazame mtu mwenyewe anayeamua, kila mtu ako na maamuzi yake, kila mtu ako na mtazamo wake. Kwa mimi mtazamo wangu mimi kwangu haipo, haiwezi haiwezi tokea,” she stated.
She added: “Mimi nina mtazamo wa kiroho.”
Her comments come a day after Lwaga and Diamond released Nikumbuke, a prayer-themed song that has quickly attracted attention across East Africa.
The collaboration has sparked fresh debate over whether gospel artistes should work with secular musicians and whether such partnerships affect the message of gospel music.
Lwaga, meanwhile, appears to be celebrating the song’s reception despite the criticism.
Hours after its release, he announced that Nikumbuke had crossed 500,000 YouTube views in less than 24 hours and reached number one on several platforms.
“Chini ya masaa 24, Unikumbuke is a national anthem. 500K Views on YouTube, No. 1 kwenye platform zote!” Lwaga wrote.
He thanked fans for the support, adding: “Ahsanteni sana Mungu awabariki! Imagine hii ni audio tu! Glory to GOD.”
The collaboration continues to fuel discussion on the boundaries between gospel and secular music in East Africa.