CHAN 2024: Why Tanzanian Star Zuchu is Calling Out CAF Over Unpaid Performance Dues

Tanzanian songbird Zuchu has publicly expressed her frustration with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over what she claims is a delay in payment for her performance at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) final.

The celebrated Bongo Flava artist headlined a lineup of three East African stars — alongside Savara from Kenya and Eddy Kenzo from Uganda — for the closing ceremony in Nairobi on August 30, 2025.

The trio electrified thousands of football fans at the stadium with a vibrant cultural showcase that blended the sounds and colors of East Africa. Zuchu, known for her high-energy performances, was the standout act of the night, dazzling fans with her signature sultry moves and powerful vocals.

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Zuchu’s  outfit — an emerald-green top with shimmering silver cuffs paired with a gold-and-beige fringe skirt — quickly became a talking point online, adding to the spectacle of the evening.

But behind the glitz and glamour, Zuchu says the experience has left her disappointed and frustrated. In a lengthy Instagram post, the singer accused CAF and its contracted agency of failing to meet their financial obligations after her show-stopping performance.

“I am writing to express my concern and frustration regarding the outstanding payment for my recent performance in Nairobi on August 30th 2025,” Zuchu began her statement, which has since gone viral across East Africa.

According to Zuchu, the issue lies with LEAP Creative Agency, which she claims was responsible for processing her payment on behalf of CAF. She says that despite multiple reminders, the full balance for her services remains unsettled.

“As per our agreement with your agents at LEAP Creative Agency, the full balance for my services was due upon completion of the event, yet despite mine and my team’s continuous patience and understanding, I have yet to receive the full payment,” she wrote.

“My management team has been in constant communication with various members of the LEAP agency, including its CEO, Mr Roshan Soomarshun, to no avail. Supposed POPs were sent, which then turned out unverifiable, suspicious and clearly not sent or paid out.”

The artist also took issue with what she described as a lack of professionalism in handling the matter.

“I have upheld my end of the agreement by delivering a performance that I dedicated myself fully to ensure it met the highest standards. It is highly disappointing to find that the same level of professionalism has not been extended in return when it comes to fulfilling your financial obligations.”

Zuchu revealed that she had canceled other shows to take part in the CHAN 2024 finale, underscoring the impact of the delayed payment on her career.

“As an artist, I expect to be treated with the respect and fairness that any professional artist deserves. This delay is not only unfair but also completely unacceptable. As an artist, I dropped previously booked shows to be able to take on the finale show. I do not expect this unfair treatment,” she said.

The singer warned that if the delay persists, she would have no choice but to escalate the matter legally.

“It is integral that the balance is settled immediately without any further delay or postponement; otherwise, I will have no choice but to pursue further action to recover the funds owed,” she wrote.

Fans and fellow artists have rallied behind the “Sukari” hitmaker, urging CAF to act swiftly and resolve the issue before it escalates further.

The controversy has sparked a wider conversation about the treatment of African artists at major sporting events, putting pressure on organizers to ensure fair and timely compensation for performers.