‘Young, Famous & African’ Star Zari Hassan Announces Split From Shakib Lutaaya

Ugandan businesswoman and reality television star Zarinah Hassan, popularly known as Zari The Boss Lady, has announced that she and her husband, Shakib Lutaaya, are ending their marriage.

Zari is a well-known public figure based in South Africa. She is the CEO of Brooklyn City College and is also known for appearing on the Netflix reality series Young, Famous & African. Over the years, she has built a strong following across Africa through her business ventures and television appearances.

The couple first got married in a private Islamic Nikah ceremony in Pretoria, South Africa, on April 16, 2023. Their relationship often attracted attention from fans, with many people admiring the couple and their public displays of affection.

However, on Friday, 12 June 2026, Zari shared the unexpected news that she and Shakib had decided to separate. She announced the news through her Instagram Story and released a joint statement explaining their decision.

On her Instagram, she wrote: “5 years later after much thought and reflection, we believe it is best for us to part ways due to irreconcilable differences. While this wasnt an easy decision, we feel it is the right one for both of us. We appreciate the time we shared, the memories we created, and the support we gave each other. 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. We sincerely wish each other happiness, success, and all the best for the future. Zarinah & Shakib.”

The statement suggests that the separation was a mutual decision and that the pair remain on good terms despite ending their marriage.

Zari is also a mother of five children. She shares two children, daughter Latifah and son Nillan, with Tanzanian music superstar Diamond Platnumz. She also has three sons with her late first husband, Ugandan businessman Ivan Ssemwanga.