Zari Hassan: Age, Husband, Net Worth, Biography & More

Zari Hassan, famously known as “The Boss Lady,” is a Ugandan-born socialite, entrepreneur, and reality TV star who has captured the spotlight across Africa and beyond. With her lavish lifestyle, high-profile relationships, and strong business acumen, Zari remains one of the most talked-about personalities on the continent.

But who is the woman behind the glitz and glamour? In this article, we explore Zari Hassan’s age, husband, net worth, real name, and everything else you’ve been dying to know about this East African icon.

Quick Facts About Zari Hassan

• Full Name: Zarinah Hassan
• Stage Name: Zari the Boss Lady
• Date of Birth: September 23, 1980
• Age: 44
• Place of Birth: Jinja, Uganda
• Nationality: Ugandan
• Occupation: Businesswoman, Socialite, Musician, Reality TV Star
• Current Residence: South Africa
• Net Worth: Estimated at $8.8 million (KSh 1.09 billion)

Zari Hassan Real Name

Zari Hassan's real name is Zarinah Hassan.

Zari Hassan Age

Zari Hassan was born on September 23, 1980, which makes her 44 years old as of 2025.

Zari Hassan Biography

Zari Hassan was born and raised in Jinja, Uganda. She exhibited a passion for music from a young age, participating in school concerts and community competitions. After completing her secondary education at Jinja Girls High School, where she was active in music, drama, and dance groups, she moved to London to pursue a diploma in cosmetology. Her early exposure to performance arts laid the foundation for her multifaceted career.

Career & Business Ventures

Zari's professional journey encompasses music, entrepreneurship, and reality television. In 2007, she released her debut single "Oliwange," which earned a nomination for Best East African Video at the Africa Channel O Awards.

She co-founded Brooklyn City College (BCC) in South Africa with her late husband, Ivan Ssemwanga. The institution offers diverse courses and has campuses in Pretoria, Polokwane, Durban, Johannesburg, Nelspruit, Vereeniging, and Rustenburg.

Beyond education, Zari has investments in real estate and owns a luxury hotel in Kampala. Her business acumen has solidified her status as one of East Africa's prominent entrepreneurs.

Zari Hassan Husband

Zari Hassan is married to Shakib Lutaaya, a Ugandan businessman. The couple tied the knot in a glamorous wedding ceremony in October 2023, an event that was featured on the reality show Young, Famous & African.

Previous Relationships

Prior to her marriage to Shakib, Zari was married to the late Ivan Semwanga, a Ugandan businessman and philanthropist. Together, they had three sons. After their divorce in 2013, Zari was in a relationship with Tanzanian musician Diamond Platnumz, with whom she has two children.

Zari Hassan Children

Zari is a mother to five children:

1. Three sons with Ivan Ssemwanga.
2. Two children with Diamond Platnumz:

• Latifah Dangote (born November 6, 2015)
• Prince Nillan Dangote (born December 6, 2016)

Zari Hassan Net Worth

Zari Hassan's net worth is estimated at $8.8 million (KSh 1.09 billion), making her one of the wealthiest women in East Africa. Her wealth stems from her educational institutions, real estate ventures, luxury hotel, and brand endorsements.

Media Presence

Zari has a significant presence on social media platforms and reality television. She stars in the Netflix series "Young, Famous & African," which showcases the lives of African entertainers and A-listers in Johannesburg.

Conclusion

Zari Hassan's journey from a young girl in Jinja to a successful entrepreneur and media personality in South Africa exemplifies resilience and ambition. Her multifaceted career and personal experiences continue to inspire many across the continent.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Zari Hassan's real name?

Zari Hassan's real name is Zarinah Hassan. She is widely known by her nickname, "Zari the Boss Lady."

2. How old is Zari Hassan?

Born on September 23, 1980, Zari Hassan is 44 years old as of May 2025.

3. Is Zari Hassan married?

Yes, as of October 2023, Zari Hassan is married to Shakib Lutaaya, a Ugandan businessman. The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony.

4. Who was Zari Hassan's previous husband?

Zari was previously married to Ivan Semwanga, a Ugandan businessman and philanthropist. They were married from 2001 until their divorce in 2013. Ivan passed away in 2017.

5. How many children does Zari Hassan have?

Zari Hassan has five children:

Three sons with her late ex-husband, Ivan Semwanga.

Two children with Tanzanian musician Diamond Platnumz: daughter Latifah Dangote (born August 6, 2015) and son Prince Nillan (born December 6, 2016).

6. What is Zari Hassan's net worth?

Zari Hassan's net worth is estimated at $8.8 million (KSh 1.09 billion).

7. What businesses does Zari Hassan own?

Zari is the CEO and co-founder of Brooklyn City College (BCC), a South African-based educational institute with multiple campuses. She also owns a cosmetics shop and has various other business interests in South Africa.

8. Where does Zari Hassan live?

Zari Hassan resides in South Africa, where she manages her business ventures and raises her children.

9. What is Zari Hassan's educational background?

Zari studied in London, where she earned a diploma in cosmetology. She began her education in Uganda before moving abroad for further studies.

10. What is Zari Hassan's ethnicity?

Zari Hassan has a diverse heritage:

• Her maternal grandfather is of Indian descent.
• Her maternal grandmother is Ugandan.
• Her paternal grandmother is Burundian.