Nairobi, Kenya, December 9- The Furaha City festival, a highly anticipated event, was overshadowed by a clash involving Willy Paul and Diamond Platnumz’s team, igniting widespread debate and sparking calls for better treatment of local artists.
The controversy began when Diamond reportedly requested a change in the performance schedule, seeking an earlier slot than originally planned. This adjustment disrupted the lineup, leading to a confrontation when Willy Paul, scheduled to perform before Diamond, was blocked from taking the stage. The situation escalated into a physical altercation, but the audience stood firmly behind Willy Paul, chanting his name and demanding his performance proceed as planned.
Despite the disruption, Willy Paul delivered a stellar performance, earning praise from fans and industry peers. His music has since gained traction on TikTok, with users celebrating his resilience and highlighting his rise to become one of Kenya’s leading artists.
The incident drew criticism from Kenyan celebrities and public figures, who condemned the lack of proper event management. Stevo Simple Boy urged promoters to prioritize local talent, declaring Willy Paul deserves “100% attention.” Akothee applauded Paul’s perseverance, noting the vulnerability artists face when performing. Mwalimu Churchill and Dr. Isaac Mwaura also expressed solidarity with Willy Paul, emphasizing the importance of patriotism and support for Kenyan artists.
Amid the uproar, Diamond’s manager, Sallam, accused Willy Paul of initiating the conflict by allegedly blocking Zuchu, another artist, from performing. According to Sallam, Paul refused to perform during his allotted time, insisting on closing the show as the headliner. Willy Paul countered these claims in an Instagram post, detailing his frustrations with the event’s organizers. He cited delays, inadequate provisions, and harassment of his team, stressing that artists deserve fair treatment to foster industry growth.
The Furaha City festival incident has underscored the need for better coordination and support for local artists, with many calling for a renewed focus on professionalism and respect within the entertainment industry.
