Clash at Furaha Fest: Diamond Faces Off with Willy Paul (VIDEO)
The highly anticipated Furaha City Fest, set to feature performances by Mejja, Khaligraph Jones, Zuchu, Rayvanny, and Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz, descended into chaos after Kenyan artist Willy Paul alleged mistreatment and disrespect at the event. The festival, which faced organizational hiccups, left both fans and performers frustrated.
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Willy Paul Speaks Out
Willy Paul took to Instagram during the festival to express his grievances, accusing organizers of prioritizing Tanzanian artists over their Kenyan counterparts.
“Tanzanian artistes are being given priority at this event. This is sad. Why are Kenyans being disrespected in front of Bongo musicians?” he wrote.
In another post, he added, “I’m being mistreated at the event. Wanaweka Tanzanians waperform. Wanachange vitu last minute. Why are Kenyans allowing this?”
Diamond vs. Willy Paul Showdown
Amid the tension, Diamond Platnumz did not perform as scheduled. A viral video captured fans chanting Willy Paul’s name, effectively disrupting Diamond’s attempt to take the stage.
The conflict reportedly stemmed from last-minute changes to the performance lineup, with Diamond wanting to perform earlier despite being slated to close the show.
Fans Show Support for Willy Paul
Audience members rallied behind Willy Paul, with some threatening to leave if he wasn’t allowed to perform first. One attendee commented, “We came here because of Diamond, but if they don’t let Willy Paul perform first, we’d rather leave.”
The incident sparked mixed reactions online:
- @DouglasLekupuny praised Willy Paul, tweeting, “Meanwhile, Willy Paul singlehandedly fought for the Kenyan music industry last night at Furaha City Fest.”
- @wahome_wanji noted, “Mondi has refused to perform at Furaha Fest ati coz Pozee performed before him. Ameambiwa huku sio Dar.”
- Others criticized the organizers, with @ShankiAustine stating, “Personally, I feel the problem was the event organizer and not Diamond Platnumz.”
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Broader Criticism
Critics also highlighted broader issues with the event’s planning. Attendees alleged double bookings and poor scheduling, with some pointing out that reggae artist Etana was denied the chance to perform. @KobbzVasion summed it up: “Kumbe Furaha Fest imekuwa drama tupu. They double-booked the venue, denied Etana the chance to perform, and prioritized Diamond, only for him not to show up.”
The incident has fueled a larger conversation about event management and fair treatment of artists, leaving Furaha Fest with a cloud of controversy.
