Zari Hassan, also known as Zari the Boss Lady, is a well-known figure in East Africa. She has made a name for herself as an entrepreneur, socialite, musician, and philanthropist. Zari is the CEO of Brooklyn City College, a South African-based educational institute which she co-founded with her late husband Ivan Semwanga.
Born on September 23rd, 1980, Zari Hassan was raised in Jinja, Uganda. She is of mixed heritage, with her father being from South Sudan and her mother from Uganda. Zari grew up alongside her four siblings: Zuleha, Abdul Karim, Zara, and Asha Hassan. She lost her mother to heart failure in 2017.
After completing her education, Zari moved to the United Kingdom for two years before returning to Uganda in 2000. She later moved to South Africa, where she met and married Ivan Semwanga. The couple had three children together before Ivan’s untimely death in 2017.
Early Life and Education
Birth and Family Background
Zari Hassan was born on September 23, 1980, in Jinja, Uganda. She comes from a diverse family background, with her maternal grandfather being Indian and her grandmother Ugandan, while her paternal grandfather is Somali and her grandmother is from Burundi. Zari is the fifth born in a family of six children.
Education and Early Interests
Zari Hassan attended Jinja Girls High School for her secondary education. After completing her studies, she moved to London, where she pursued a course in cosmetology. While in London, she developed a passion for music and started performing at local gigs.
After returning to Uganda, Zari pursued a career in music and released her debut single, “Oliwange,” which became a hit in East Africa. She later ventured into business, starting a cosmetics line, a clothing store, and a chain of schools. Zari’s success in business has made her one of the wealthiest women in East Africa, with an estimated net worth of $8 million.
In conclusion, Zari Hassan’s diverse family background and early exposure to music and business have played a significant role in shaping her life and career. Her passion for music and business has made her a successful entrepreneur and a prominent figure in East Africa’s entertainment industry.
Zari Hassan  |
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| Full Name: | Zari Hassan |
| Born: | September 23rd, 1980 |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Spouse: | Late Ivan Semwanga ​(m. 2001; div. 2013) |
| Occupation: | Businesswoman |
| Years active: | 1992-Present |
Career and Achievements
Music and Entertainment
Zari Hassan started her career in the entertainment industry as a musician. She released her debut single “Oliwange” in 2007, which was well-received in Uganda. She continued to release more music and collaborated with various artists in the industry. Her music career helped her gain popularity and recognition in the East African region.
Business Ventures
Apart from her music career, Zari Hassan is also known for her business acumen and flair for fashion. She is the founder and CEO of the Brooklyn City Colleges in South Africa, which offers tertiary education to students. She also owns a successful chain of beauty salons and a fragrance line. Her business ventures have helped her establish a name for herself in the business world.
Philanthropy and Social Work
Zari Hassan is actively involved in philanthropic and social work. She has been involved in various charity projects and has used her platform to raise awareness on social issues. In 2017, she launched the Zari Hassan Foundation, which aims to empower women and children in Africa. She has also been involved in providing aid to communities affected by natural disasters.
Awards and Recognitions
Zari Hassan’s contributions to the entertainment industry and philanthropic work have earned her several awards and recognitions. In 2017, she was awarded the African Social Star of the Year at the African Entertainment Awards USA. She was also recognized as the East African Female Entrepreneur of the Year at the African Leadership Magazine Awards in 2018. Her achievements have made her a role model for many young women in Africa.