From Stage to Statehouse: Harmonize Declares Bid for Tandahimba MP Seat

Tanzanian music star Rajab Abdul Kahali, better known as Harmonize, has officially announced his intention to run for Member of Parliament for Tandahimba constituency in the upcoming General Election.

In a statement shared on Instagram, the award-winning artist said he is ready to transition from entertainment to public service. His declaration comes years after the late President John Pombe Magufuli publicly encouraged him to consider a political career.

“Now I’m ready Tandahimba MP kwa masilahi mapana ya Tandahimba. RIP Dr. John Pombe Magufuli, Rais wa awamu ya tano,” Harmonize posted.

Reflecting on the late president’s earlier endorsement, Harmonize said the current administration, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has effectively carried forward Magufuli’s development agenda — creating the right conditions for him to fulfill that vision.

“Hakika moyo wako utakuwa na faraja sana… Rais Samia Suluhu Hassan ametekeleza mipango na miradi yenu yooooote na mingine mingi ndani ya muda mchache. Kama taifa tumekubaliana October tuna ✔ chama changu cha Mapinduzi @ccmtanzania kikinipa ridhaa nipo tayari kuikamilisha hii ndoto yako,” he wrote.

The singer’s political journey traces back to 2020, when he caught the attention of President Magufuli during a campaign rally. After watching Harmonize perform a special remix of his hit song “Kwangwaru” — retitled “Magufuli” in honor of the president — the late leader praised the artist’s dedication and suggested he vie for the Tandahimba seat.

“I really commend Harmonize. Where is he from? Tandahimba? Who’s the MP there? I’d love to see Harmonize contest that seat. He’s such a hardworking young man,” Magufuli said at the time.

Harmonize is expected to seek nomination from the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), as he prepares to take his ambitions from the music charts to the parliamentary chambers.