Harmonize, a popular Bongo flavour musician, has opted not to pick CCM forms for Tandahimba primaries citing his lack of qualification and his focus was to collect the most prestigious accolades in music industry: the Grammys.
Harmon and Abby were seen together in the SGR travelling to Dodoma to attend the CCM General convention. There was a broad banner: Grammy clearly his mind is there. The duet have been performing a couple of gigs together signalling their intent to break a new East African record of nagging the highest prize in global music business.
Abby was nominated recently for a major award. She didn’t win but she got the visibility and that recognition has fired her with the hunger and ambition to do even more better. When Diamond Platnumz wasn’t nominated for the Grammys, Harmonize trolled him for making a “name song” without a clear message. Obviously, Harmonize will try to better Diamond Platnumz and be acknowledged as the biggest musician of all time in East Africa.
In his Instagram account, this is what he shared:
“Nimepitia Sheria za Kamati Yaa Maadili Ya Chama & Bunge
Simuoni KONDEBOY Kwaninavyoona Hata Kusema
BOMBOCLAAAATY Sitoruhusiwa
Niwapongeze wana @ccmtanzania mliojitoa Kutangaza Nia ZaKugombea Nafasi Tofauti Tofauti Especially Vijanaa DINI YENYE WAFUASI WENGI UJUE INAKUBALIKA !! Tandahimba Chaguani Kiongozi Bora Atake Msaidia RAIS wetu miaka 5 ljayo!!!! am Hungry for the Grammy & More Success Music” End of quotation.
Grammy success hinges on factors beyond his ability.
Depending on which category he will opt to compete, Grammys are a tough sell given its election process. It depends on visibility, likeability and regional allegiances that may work for or against him. It really boils down to politics.
Claims of lack of qualifications lack merits?
According to the Tanzania constitution, in order for any Tanzania to be a member of Parliament is harnessing literacy skills. No academic background beyond abilities to read and write. Those skills he has in abundance
However, he has cited CCM ethics and Parliamentary requirements. He did not provide any details leaving us to guess what he really meant. Perhaps, he was wary of CCM insider know-how to win over the delegates who will actually vote. If that is what he had in mind he is very right. CCM delegates tend to be biased in favour of their own. They sneer at outsiders claiming the aliens come to graze where they haven’t sowed.
The Tandahimba MP Katani Ahmad Katani seemed to have panicked.
The incumbent has been making all the wrong noises favourably comparing Tandahimba with Dubai. His reasoning shows a man experiencing traumatic stress of elections. It isn’t clear whether the once imminent Harmonize candidacy was behind it or another credible competitor.
In his own words, this is what he had boasted:
“Leo ukienda Tandahimba
<uanzia saa moja jioni chukua Selfie ufanye umepiga
picha kwenye barabara za Qatar, Doha pale na upite
barabara za Tandahimba huwezi kuona tofauti”
….Tandahimba ni miongo mwa miji inayoongoza kwa kuwa na taa za kutosha barabarani kiasi ambacho mtu akidondosha sindano usiku anaweza kuiona na kuiokota bila shida.” End of quotation.
It suffices to note Tandahimba has nothing to compare with Qatar.
How are all these factors interconnected?
Here’s a comprehensive analysis of Harmonize’s withdrawal from Tandahimba CCM primaries:
⚖️ 1. Stated Reasons for Withdrawal: Qualifications vs. Ambitions.
– Constitutional Eligibility:
Harmonize cited “lack of qualifications,” but Tanzania’s Constitution only requires MPs to possess literacy skills (reading/writing), which he clearly has . His claim appears unrelated to legal requirements.
– CCM Internal Barriers:
He referenced “CCM Ethics Committee rules” (“Kamati ya Maadili”) and parliamentary standards, hinting at unspoken party dynamics. CCM delegates historically favor insiders over outsiders (“sneer at aliens grazing where they haven’t sowed“)—a likely factor in his decision.
– Grammy Priority:
His Instagram statement emphasized: “Am Hungry for the Grammy & More Success Music“, signaling a strategic pivot to global music accolades over politics.
🎵 2. Music Career as Primary Driver.
– Competition with Peers:
Harmonize previously trolled Diamond Platnumz for Grammy failures. His collaboration with Abby Chapele (including SGR banner campaign) aims to break East Africa’s Grammy barrier, leveraging their recent award visibility.
– Grammy Challenges:
As noted, Grammy success depends on “visibility, likability, and regional allegiances“—factors requiring intense lobbying beyond musical talent. His $2M net worth and 100M+ streaming base provide resources but no guarantees.
– Entrepreneurial Focus:
His label Konde Music Worldwide reshaped Tanzania’s industry; global awards could amplify its reach and his “Afro Bongo” fusion genre.
🗳️ 3. Political Context in Tandahimba.
– Incumbent Panic:
MP Katani Ahmad Katani (in power since 2005) recently compared Tandahimba’s highways to Qatar —a sign of “traumatic election stress.” Harmonize’s initial candidacy threatened his grip, especially given Harmonize’s Makonde tribal influence and youth appeal.
– CCM Youth Dynamics:
The party struggles with youth engagement. Harmonize’s exit deprives CCM of a symbol to “restore faith with youth,” though his governance inexperience (e.g., navigating bureaucracy, job creation) remained a liability.
🤔 4. Unresolved Questions.
– “Lack of Qualifications” Misdirection?:
The claim may mask delegate math realities. CCM primaries favor candidates with established networks; Harmonize’s celebrity couldn’t offset his newcomer status.
– Future Political Prospects:
Soft landings (e.g., ambassadorial roles) are common for existing CCM figures. His music success could later bolster political credibility if he reengages.
đź’Ž Conclusion.
Harmonize prioritized Grammy ambitions over a fraught political battle, using “qualifications” as a diplomatic cover for CCM’s insider politics. His exit reflects both the harsh realities of Tanzania’s patronage system and the allure of global artistic validation.
For Tandahimba, the race now hinges on Njwayo’s resilience against other challengers—while Harmonize bets on music to outshine Diamond Platnumz and cement his East African legacy.
