Ugandan socialite, businesswoman, and reality television star Zari Hassan has announced the end of her relationship with her husband, Shakib Cham Lutaaya, after five years together.
The couple confirmed their separation in a joint statement shared on Zari’s Instagram Story on Friday, stating that they had mutually agreed to part ways following careful reflection on their relationship.
They cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the breakup and described the decision as difficult but necessary.
Despite ending their marriage, both parties emphasized that there was no animosity between them and expressed gratitude for the memories, support, and experiences they shared during their time together.
Zari and Shakib publicly confirmed their romance in 2022 before holding a private Islamic Nikah ceremony in Pretoria, South Africa, in April 2023.
Later that year, they celebrated their union with a lavish white wedding that attracted widespread attention across East Africa.
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The relationship gained further prominence through the Netflix reality series Young, Famous & African, where both appeared alongside several African celebrities.
The show also featured Zari’s former partner, Tanzanian music star Diamond Platnumz, with whom she shares two children.
Born Zarinah Hassan, the 45-year-old entrepreneur is one of East Africa’s most recognisable public figures.
Popularly known as “The Boss Lady,” she rose to fame through business ventures, music, reality television, and her high-profile relationships.
She is also the CEO of Brooklyn City College, a South Africa-based educational institution with campuses across the country.
Over the years, Zari has built a strong following across Africa through her business empire, social media influence, and appearances on reality television, making her one of the continent’s most talked-about personalities.
The announcement brings to an end one of East Africa’s most closely followed celebrity relationships, with fans across the region reacting to the news on social media.