Bongo film star Aunty Ezekiel has made a surprising yet personal move by quietly converting to Islam. This comes just a few months after she tied the knot with Bongoflava sensation Kusah, marking a significant moment in her life.
The beloved actress, who has always been admired for her captivating roles in Tanzanian cinema, has now taken on the name Rahma. This change reflects her spiritual journey and connects to her past in a meaningful way.
The announcement, shared through close circles and confirmed by Kusah himself, reveals a private ceremony steeped in Islamic traditions, free from the glitz of public fanfare. This union comes after whispers of their budding romance surfaced earlier this year, blending two of Tanzania’s entertainment powerhouses in a story that’s as heartfelt as it is understated.
If you’ve been keeping up with Ezekiel’s wild journey, from his big hits to personal victories, this change seems like just another exciting chapter in his story of constant reinvention. Gwantwa Ezekiel Grayson was born on October 28, 1986, in Dar es Salaam. She grew up with her father, the legendary footballer Ezekiel Grayson, who was lovingly called “Jujuman”.
Making her mark in the lively Bongo movie scene, she captured hearts with her roles in films such as Prison Revenge, Pumba Jungu La Urithi, and Eyes on Me. This success led to an impressive 10 million followers on Instagram and the position of CEO at Mama Murua Products.
Ezekiel’s life outside the screen has been just as interesting. As a mum of three, she’s been through some pretty notable relationships, including a 2012 Islamic wedding where she first adopted the name Rahma while marrying businessman Sunday Dimonte.
This marriage really opened her up to the deeper aspects of faith right from the start. That earlier chapter, featuring a beautiful harusi in traditional style, highlighted a young Ezekiel glowing in bridal attire, surrounded by family and friends.
Even though the specifics of that marriage are kept under wraps, it really set the stage for her changing spiritual journey. Jump ahead to 2025, and Ezekiel’s coming together with parts of her past beliefs lines up with her new beginning with Kusah, whose actual name is Salmin Ismail Hoza. Born January 22, 1993, in Tanga, the 32-year-old artist exploded onto the scene with his 2018 hit “Kelele”, blending Bongo Flava rhythms with R&B flair to captivate audiences across East Africa.
“Now Aunt Ezekiel is called Rahma; she has converted, and we got married quietly. We followed all the Islamic religious rituals. Now she is officially my wife, who has given birth to two children,” Kusah said.
His collaborations and a bunch of chart-toppers have really cemented his status, but it’s that family-man vibe of his that’s been winning hearts lately. Kusah mentioned that they ran into each other a few months ago, right when Ezekiel was diving into Islamic practices.
“I saw her following all the rituals with such grace,” he mentioned in a recent interview. “We kept the marriage low-key, no elaborate ceremony, just the two of us celebrating the traditions that mean the most.” So, now she’s Rahma, completely converted, and we’re officially husband and wife! She’s had two kids, and together, we’re creating something really special.
This revelation, first detailed by media outlet Simulizi Na Sauti, has sparked gentle buzz online, with fans praising the couple’s discretion amid Tanzania’s celebrity whirlwind. The timing really hits home.
Just a few weeks back, in late September, we heard the news about Ezekiel, now going by Rahma, welcoming another little one with Kusah. They had a baby girl who joined their family, and it sounds like there were some really joyful celebrations around it!
Back in March, they shared the exciting news about their new daughter, with Kusah looking so happy next to his partner in those viral clips that really showed their joy.
These moments really show a cosy picture of home life, especially when you think about the intense stories Ezekiel usually brought to life on screen. For Rahma, this conversion feels somewhat familiar.
Her wedding back in 2012 seemed to show her early interest in Islam, and people close to the family say this decision took years to come about, a thoughtful choice to connect her life with values she’s always admired.
“It’s all about peace and commitment,” a friend shared with me, reflecting the calm that now fills her home. Kusah, who’s used to being in the spotlight, has been keeping things pretty low-key lately. He’s been focusing on his new EP and the tours he has coming up.
Tanzania’s entertainment scene is changing, and this union represents more than just love; it shows how people can grow in a fast-paced world. Do you think Rahma will be back on the silver screen anytime soon?
There are some whispers going around about a comeback project that’s got her fresh outlook all over it. Right now, the couple is just enjoying the peace, two souls, one faith, and a bond that can’t be broken.
