OFFICIAL! Zari Hassan & Shakib Lutaaya Announce Separation After 5yrs Together

By Swift Reporter 

Ugandan socialite and businesswoman Zari Hassan has announced the end of her marriage to Shakib Cham Lutaaya, bringing to a close one of East Africa’s most closely followed celebrity relationships.

In a statement shared on her Instagram Story early Friday morning, Zari revealed that the couple had mutually decided to part ways after five years together, citing irreconcilable differences.

The statement, signed by both Zarinah and Shakib, described the decision as difficult but necessary.

“After much thought and reflection, we believe it is best for us to part ways due to irreconcilable differences. While this wasn’t an easy decision, we feel it is the right one for both of us,” the statement read.

The pair emphasized that the separation was amicable and that there was no bitterness between them.

“There is no anger or resentment. Sometimes two people simply grow in different directions. We value each other and remain friends with mutual respect and understanding,” they said, adding that they wished each other happiness and success in the future.

The announcement has come as a surprise to many followers, particularly because the couple had consistently projected unity despite facing several public challenges during their marriage.

Zari and Shakib publicly confirmed their relationship in 2022 and quickly became one of the region’s most talked-about celebrity couples. They formalized their union in a private Islamic Nikah ceremony in Pretoria, South Africa, in April 2023 before holding a lavish white wedding on October 3, 2023, attended by close friends and family.

Their relationship was also featured on the Netflix reality series Young, Famous & African, where viewers were given a glimpse into their personal lives and the challenges they faced as a couple.

Throughout their marriage, Zari and Shakib navigated periods of public scrutiny, particularly surrounding Zari’s co-parenting relationship with Tanzanian music star Diamond Platnumz, with whom she shares two children. At various points, speculation about the state of their marriage surfaced online, though both repeatedly dismissed breakup rumors and maintained that they were committed to working through their differences.

Shakib, an entrepreneur and reality television personality, built a public profile through his business ventures, celebrity boxing appearances, and role on Young, Famous & African. Zari, popularly known as “The Boss Lady,” remains one of East Africa’s most influential socialites and businesswomen.

While neither party disclosed specific details about what led to the separation, their joint statement indicated a shared commitment to maintaining a cordial relationship moving forward.

Their split marks the end of a relationship that captivated fans across the region and remained in the spotlight from its beginning to its final chapter.