Musician Fidel Omusula, widely known as Charisma, has revealed that he turned down an invitation from the national government to perform at this year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations.
Speaking on the Iko Nini podcast aired Thursday, November 27, 2025, Charisma said a government agency reached out about a week prior with the invitation, which he politely declined. He cited ideological differences and personal principles as the reasons behind his decision.
“I was called like a week ago by a government agency, and they were telling me they want me to perform on Jamhuri Day. I just told them, guys, I do not get how you guys can call me,” Charisma explained.
He added that attending such an event would feel like an endorsement of a government whose values do not align with his own. Charisma noted that while he has previously been invited to government events, he would rather remain uncompromised than perform at a regime’s function.
“Mimi nimeinvitiwa vitu za gava lakini haiwezi, wacha nisote. I do not think it is something that you will ever see me doing,” he concluded.
