I’m okay, says singer Shilole days after breaking silence on domestic abuse

By Diana Anyango | 3yrs ago | 3 min read

It is hardly a week since popular Tanzanian singer cum actress Zena Yusuf Mohammed better known as Shilole revealed that she had been a victim of domestic violence. Since she opened up, social media users including a number of notable celebrities have come to her aide, strongly condemning domestic violence and giving her words of encouragement to help her stay afloat during the difficult moment.

Taking to social media to appreciate the overwhelming support shown to her by her online family, Shilole assured her fans that she was indeed faring much better.

“I have seen the love, the respect and the tremendous support received during this difficult time. I really appreciate your love. I appreciate those that have reached out to me to know my progress and those that have prayed for me. Concerning my wellbeing, I’m doing okay. These challenges will not make me give up nor make me fall. It is not by my strength but God’s and the overwhelming love I have received from my fellow Tanzanians who always wish me well. Life goes on, lets continue to support each other and grow as a community that strongly condemns gender-based violence,” she wrote.

Defends self against cheating allegations

Not too long after he appreciation post, Shilole took to social media once more to refute claims that she had been involved with another battered her. Shilole stated that the video being circulated on social media of her and the man in question was taken long ago and had nothing to do with her current marriage.

“I have seen numerous posts being made and a lot of lies being concocted about what is currently happening in my marriage and the reason I was battered. There’s a video doing rounds of me in the company of one man by the name #Aristote. That video was taken a long time ago, I advise you to ignore it. My situation has involved the law and that’s all I can say for now. A time will come when I will explain in detail what happened."

I stand with you

Shilole’s story has given thousands of individuals an opportunity to speak up on their domestic violence experiences. South Africa based Ugandan socialite Zari Hassan was among those that used the opportunity to talk about abuse in her previous marriage. According to Zari, many people condemned her for walking out of the relationship and yet she was being given 'everything she wanted' when all she desired was peace.

“Most of the times I would be asked why I was leaving all the wealth behind yet other women were looking for it. I was called stupid. Yet they did not know what was happening behind the scenes. When will all this end, and what time would it be okay to say enough is enough? There is no perfect time, let me tell you, it all starts with you,” she wrote.