Among those affected is popular rapper Bill Nass, whose electronics store in Dar es Salaam was set ablaze late Wednesday. Eyewitnesses say demonstrators accused him of being “a political sympathizer” of the ruling party after he appeared in campaign advertisements for President Samia.

Another victim of the chaos is Juma Jux, a well-known R&B artist currently in Nigeria, whose upscale clothing boutique in downtown Dar es Salaam was also torched by protesters.

The violence did not spare Shishi Food Restaurant, a trendy eatery owned by singer Shilole, which was completely burned down. The restaurant had become one of the city’s most popular spots for young artists and influencers.

The attacks mark an escalation of post-election violence that has spread across several Tanzanian cities since election day. Protesters have denounced what they describe as “stolen elections”, accusing authorities of suppressing opposition candidates and manipulating the results.

Authorities have condemned the violence but admitted that the situation remains tense. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Dar es Salaam Regional Police Commander Jumanne Muliro announced a nighttime curfew, ordering residents to remain indoors after 6:00 p.m.

“Anyone found outside after curfew hours will be arrested,” Muliro warned, urging calm and calling on citizens to respect public order.

The wave of attacks has instilled fear among other Tanzanian entertainers and entrepreneurs, many of whom worry that their association with government campaigns could make them the next targets.

As of Thursday evening, security forces had been deployed to protect key commercial areas in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Mwanza, though sporadic clashes continued in several neighborhoods.