Tanzanian musician Sefu Shabani, popularly known as Matonya, has been arrested and charged with rape in Kenya. The 43-year-old denied the charge when he appeared in court in the coastal city of Mombasa, according to a statement from Kenya's Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The court granted him bail set at 500,000 Kenyan shillings ($3,900, £2,900) and ordered him to surrender his Tanzanian passport. Matonya is an award-winning artist known for his 'bongo flava' hits, a music style popular in Tanzania that features lyrics in Swahili. He has been active for about 15 years, with hits like Vaileti, Anita, and Siamini. During the court session, it was reported that the alleged sexual assault took place at an apartment in Nyali, a beach resort. The DPP emphasized the need for Matonya to remain within the jurisdiction of the court and directed immigration authorities to alert border points. While Tanzanian authorities have not commented on the case, it has sparked debate in the music community, with calls for support for Matonya alongside demands for justice.
Tanzanian Star Matonya Faces Serious Allegations in Kenya
Tanzanian Star Matonya Faces Serious Allegations in Kenya
Popular Tanzanian musician Matonya has been charged with rape in Kenya. The singer, known for his hit songs in the bongo flava genre, denies the allegations and is out on bail.
Sefu Shabani, widely known as Matonya, has been charged with rape in Kenya. The 43-year-old musician has denied the allegations during his court appearance. He was granted bail, which was set at 500,000 Kenyan shillings. Matonya, a renowned figure in the bongo flava music scene, remains a beloved artist across East Africa, with an enduring career spanning 15 years. His case has sparked discussions in Tanzania's music community, highlighting contrasting views on the seriousness of the allegations.
