Media personality and event organizer Willis Raburu has spoken out about the controversies surrounding the Furaha City Festival, including Tanzanian artist Diamond Platnumz’s absence and the heated exchange involving Kenyan musician Willy Paul.
In a statement shared on December 11, Raburu addressed the behind-the-scenes events, emphasizing his efforts to support Willy Paul while advocating for greater unity within Kenya’s music industry.
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Raburu praised Willy Paul as a talented performer but highlighted that much of what happened wasn’t visible to the public. He disclosed that he had personally handled logistics for Willy Paul’s performance, including coordinating with the singer’s 40 dancers and ensuring their stage access.
“To my brother Willy Paul, I can NEVER take away from the fact that you are a GREAT performer. But you know the truth. You know who was sorting you out backstage, who came to get you, and who ensured you and your dancers had access to the stage. You know it was me.”
Raburu also revealed his role in securing Willy Paul’s current sponsorship deal with a betting firm and personally assisting him on stage during the festival. Despite the challenges, Raburu stressed the need for professionalism and discipline, pointing to his unwavering commitment to the event’s success.
Acknowledging Other Artists
Raburu commended the numerous artists who delivered stellar performances at the festival and expressed gratitude to fans who shared their concerns, viewing this feedback as an opportunity for growth.
“Thank you for all the comments and concerns about veracity and character. They show we are growing as a country and edging closer to the unity needed for real change,” Raburu said.
He praised the festival’s overall success, emphasizing that the feedback from fans and stakeholders would be instrumental in shaping future events.
Raburu urged truth and honesty within the music industry, highlighting the dominance of Tanzanian artists in Kenya and the lack of adequate support for local musicians.
“It’s easy to support international stars online, but true support for Kenyan artists requires action, not just words. Let’s listen to their music more and watch their videos more. Based on this year’s stats, we’ve failed our artists, and we must face that truth,” he stated.
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He encouraged Kenyans to actively back their local talent and shift the narrative to prioritize Kenyan musicians. Raburu noted the significant streams Tanzanian artists receive in Kenya and called for a change to give local artists similar attention.
Despite criticisms, Raburu reaffirmed his dedication to promoting Kenyan talent and thanked fans for their support. He assured them of his commitment to elevating the country’s music scene and urged collective efforts to achieve lasting success for Kenyan artists.