Zari Hassan: The Boss Lady of East Africa (Biography, Career & Legacy)
Early Life & Education
Born Zarinah “Zari” Hassan on 23 September 1980 in Jinja, Uganda, Zari comes from a blended heritage—having roots in Uganda, Burundi, and India . She grew up with four siblings and attended Jinja Girls High School, where she was active in drama, music, and theater—earning best actress honors two years straight . Later, she pursued a Diploma in Cosmetology in London, setting the stage for her initial career pursuits .
Entering the Spotlight: Music & Social Scene
Zari ventured into music in 2007 with her debut single “Oli Wange”, which earned a nomination for Best East African Video at the Channel O Awards . While her music career didn’t take off as she’d hoped, she soon leveraged her public appeal into glamorous hangouts and social events—eventually planting the seeds of her “Boss Lady” persona .
Business Ventures & Empire Building
After relocating to South Africa, Zari co-founded Brooklyn City College (BCC)—an educational institution with campuses in Pretoria, Durban, Johannesburg, and other cities—alongside her late husband, Ivan Semwanga . She took over as CEO upon his passing in 2017 .
Beyond BCC, Zari diversifies her portfolio with ventures in cosmetics, beauty salons, real estate, luxury fashion (Zari’s Closet), and even running a 5-star hotel in Kampala .
Reality TV & Influence
Zari’s influence hit new heights when she joined Netflix’s reality show "Young, Famous & African", alongside people like Diamond Platnumz and Khanyi Mbau, offering fans a look into her life in Johannesburg . Her Instagram presence also dominates—she’s a top East African influencer, sometimes trending with more than 4 million followers . Her follower count reportedly even surpasses 7 million as of the latest data .
Personal Life & Family
Zari’s life has often made headlines, from marriages to motherhood:
First Marriage: Married to Ivan Semwanga from 2001 to 2013. They had three sons: Pinto, Raphael, and Quincy . Ivan passed away in 2017, and Zari inherited part of his assets .
Relationship with Diamond Platnumz: After her divorce, Zari dated Tanzanian singer Diamond Platnumz, and they had two children: Latifah Dangote (born Nov 2015) and Prince Nillan (born Dec 2016) .
Current Marriage: In October 2023, she married Ugandan businessman Shakib Lutaaya .
She’s now a proud mother of five children, and she continues balancing business, family, and social commitments with grace.
Net Worth & Impact
Zari’s net worth is estimated between US$8 million and $9 million, fueled by her diversified business holdings and inheritance . A Facebook fan summed it up perfectly:
> “She’s a true entrepreneur and philanthropist… owns a chain of schools, real estate, and even her own line of feminine care products.”
— FB user
Why Zari Hassan Still Matters
Attribute Why It Resonates
Business Mindset CEO of BCC, brand owner, investor
Cultural Icon From singing to social events to reality TV
Media Kingpin Millions of followers, major brand deals
Role Model Balancing motherhood, career, and reinvention
Final Thoughts
Zari Hassan’s journey—from Jinja to becoming a global “Boss Lady”—is all about hustle, flexibility, and shining on her terms. She’s a reminder that personal brand + smart moves can turn adversity into opportunity.
